GIS and Maps outage
Information for Lower Hutt residents and visitors
What has happened?
A single brown skua found on Petone Beach, has tested positive for H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu). This is the first detection of this strain in New Zealand.
Is this an outbreak?
No. At this stage, officials have confirmed one case in a single ocean-going seabird. There is no evidence of transmission between wild birds in New Zealand, no mass bird deaths, and no detection in poultry.
Officials believe the infected bird was an ocean-going migratory seabird. H5N1 was expected to reach New Zealand via migrating wild birds, rather than through people or imported products.
How was bird flu detected?
A brown skua displaying unusual behaviour was found on Petone Beach on 10 July 2026. The bird was taken to Wellington Zoo for assessment and testing, where H5 bird flu (H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b) was confirmed. MPI announced the confirmed result on 15 July 2026, with public information released the same day.
Is it safe to visit Petone Beach?
Yes. MPI has confirmed that a single brown skua found on Petone Beach tested positive for H5 bird flu (H5N1). At this stage there is:
- no evidence of wider spread among wild birds
- no evidence of mass bird deaths
- no detections in poultry.
MPI have advised they have fully checked Petone Beach and along with partner agencies, including Hutt City Council, continue to monitor Petone Beach and surrounding areas. Unless advised otherwise, beaches, parks and reserves remain open for public use. Please follow any signage or instructions if local management measures are put in place.
Can I still walk along Petone Beach?
Yes, Petone Beach remains open unless otherwise advised.
While visiting, if you come across any sick or dead birds, avoid touching and keep children and pets well away from them. Please refer to further information below about reporting cases.
If Council or MPI introduces temporary restrictions in any area, please follow the signage and directions provided.
Do I need to avoid other beaches or parks in Lower Hutt?
No. There is currently no evidence that bird flu has spread beyond the single confirmed bird found at Petone Beach.
People can continue enjoying Lower Hutt's parks, beaches and reserves while following normal precautions around wildlife.
Hutt City Council is proactively monitoring locations where birds are known to congregate across Lower Hutt.
Is it safe to walk my dog in Lower Hutt?
Yes, you can continue walking your dog as normal.
However:
- you may want to consider walking your dog on lead
- keep dogs away from sick or dead birds
- don't let dogs pick up or eat bird carcasses
- follow any temporary restrictions if they are introduced.
What should I do if I see sick or dead birds?
It is not unusual at this time of year to find individual dead birds of different species along our coastlines due to storms and other natural events.
One of the most noticeable signs of bird flu is the swift death of multiple birds in a group. If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds together, report them immediately to MPI's Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline 0800 80 99 66 or online at report.mpi.govt.nz.
Do not touch or move the birds.
If it is safe to do so, it is helpful to provide:
- the location
- photographs or video
- the bird species (if known)
- approximately how many birds are affected.
Individual cases can be reported to Hutt City Council via my.huttcity.govt.nz select animals>other animals>deceased.
I found one dead bird. Should I report it?
A single dead bird does not necessarily indicate bird flu. It is not unusual at this time of year to find individual dead birds of different species along our coastlines due to storms and other natural events.
If you find a single dead bird on Hutt City Council land, you can report it to Hutt City Council through my.huttcity.govt.nz by selecting Animals > Other animals > Deceased. This helps Council monitor and manage dead birds on Council-owned or managed land.
Avoid handling birds and keep children and pets away from it.
MPI's current advice is to report three or more sick or dead wild birds together by calling the Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66 or online at report.mpi.govt.nz, this is to allow for MPI to carry out testing.
Why are you asking people to report sick or dead birds?
Reporting helps MPI monitor whether H5 bird flu is spreading and determine whether testing or other response actions are needed. Public reports are an important part of New Zealand's surveillance programme and help government agencies respond quickly if further cases are identified.
What should I do if I find a sick or dead bird on my property?
If you find three or more sick or dead wild birds together, report them to MPI immediately by calling the Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66. MPI will assess the situation and advise on any next steps, including whether the birds should be tested or disposed of.
If you find a single dead bird on your property, you generally have four options:
- Leave it where it is (preferred where safe)
If the bird is in an area where it does not pose a risk to people or pets, it can be left undisturbed to decompose naturally. - Bury it
If it is safe and practical to do so, bury the bird at least 600 mm deep to prevent other animals from accessing it. - Dispose of it in your general rubbish (red bin)
If burial isn't practical: - If your rubbish bin is full, you can take the bird to the Silverstream Landfill Transfer Station. Please let staff at the kiosk know you are bringing a dead bird and follow their instructions.
- place the bird in a plastic bag and seal it
- double-bag the bird by placing that bag into a second bag and seal it
- disinfect the outside of the bag before placing it in your general rubbish bin (red bin).
If you do need to move a bird:
- wear disposable gloves
- wear a P2/N95 (or equivalent) mask
- wear safety glasses or goggles
- where practical, use a tool such as a shovel rather than handling the bird directly
- disinfect any tools, equipment or surfaces that come into contact with the bird using a suitable disinfectant
- carefully remove and dispose of PPE
- wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Is bird flu dangerous to people?
The risk to the public remains low. There has been no sustained human-to-human transmission of H5 bird flu.
Human infection is rare and generally occurs after direct, close and prolonged contact with infected birds or other infected animals.
If someone tests positive for H5 bird flu, Health New Zealand will assess and monitor people who have had close contact with that person, where appropriate.
If you feel unwell after contact with animals, seek medical advice and let your healthcare provider know about your exposure.
How do I keep myself safe?
New Zealanders are being asked to be alert, and to use good habits to limit the impact of bird flu.
- Keep your distance. Stay away from sick or dead wildlife, do not move or handle sick or dead birds. Keep pets away too.
- Keep clean. Wash your hands and clean your gear after being outdoors.
- Know when to report. If you see 3 or more sick or dead wildlife, report them to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966 or online at report.mpi.govt.nz.
Is my drinking water safe?
Yes. There is no evidence that H5 bird flu is spread to people through treated drinking water.
What is Hutt City Council doing?
Hutt City Council is part of New Zealand's long-standing national preparedness and response programme for H5 bird flu, led by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). This approach has been developed over time with the Department of Conservation, Health New Zealand, local government, iwi and industry to ensure New Zealand is ready to respond if H5 bird flu is detected.
Councils have prepared local response plans in preparation which cover communications, site management, public safety, waste management and coordination with national and regional partners where response actions are required.
Hutt City Council is also proactively monitoring locations where birds congregate and working closely with MPI and partner agencies.
Who is responsible for responding?
MPI leads New Zealand's response to H5 bird flu.
Councils are responsible for managing any impacts on Council-owned or managed land and providing local information to residents.
DOC manages Public Conservation Land, while private landowners are responsible for managing their own land.
Will Council close beaches or parks?
Temporary closures of beaches or parks may be required if there are multiple sick or dead birds in an area or if there is an increased risk to public health.
Any closures would be based on advice from MPI and an assessment of public health risk. Many situations can be managed through monitoring, signage and public information rather than closures.
If any Council-owned or managed locations need to be closed, we'll let the community know through clear signage and Council communication channels.
Where can I find more information?
More information can be found through the MPI website: www.mpi.govt.nz/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza