New Zealand warns against eating shellfish from northern Banks Peninsula due to deadly toxins from algal bloom.

New Zealand authorities have issued a health warning against collecting or eating shellfish from the northern side of Banks Peninsula, including areas from New Brighton to Hickory Bay, due to dangerous levels of paralytic shellfish toxins from a harmful algal bloom in Port Levy. The toxins, which can cause numbness, tingling, paralysis, and even death, accumulate in shellfish like mussels, oysters, and cockles and are not eliminated by cooking. While pāua, crab, and crayfish may be safe if gutted, finfish are unaffected but should be gutted and liver discarded. Pets, especially dogs, should be kept away. No illnesses have been reported, but anyone experiencing symptoms should seek immediate medical help and contact Healthline at 0800 61 11 16. The alert remains in effect until further notice.