Wellington is facing a growing crisis as millions of litres of raw sewage flow into its ocean daily. The city’s Moa Point wastewater treatment plant collapsed on February 4 due to an electrical failure. Since then, untreated sewage has poured into reefs and a marine reserve. The pollution created abandoned beaches and health warnings, alarming locals and tourists. Residents like Eugene Doyle said, "Everyone in charge has done an appalling job, and they need to be held accountable." The plant, run by Wellington Water and operated by French company Veolia, lost 80% of its equipment. Initially, sewage was dumped near Tarakena Bay beach, but now it is released 1.8km offshore after screening for large objects. Wellington Mayor Andrew Little called the situation a "state of shock" and said the plant’s management structure was unclear. A Crown inquiry led by Local Government Minister Simon Watts will investigate the disaster's causes. Watts assured, "The public is owed the assurance that we understand what led to this failure and that we are taking steps to prevent it from happening again." Locals fear damage to marine life, including endangered little blue penguins. Green MP Tamatha Paul said, "The way this will affect really vulnerable, delicate species... is heartbreaking." Marine biologist Christopher Cornwall warned of a possible mass kelp die-off threatening various sea creatures. Iwi leader Te Whatanui Winiata expressed deep anger, saying, "This is our source of sustenance... The response from our people is outrage, shock, and anguish." Closed beaches and business losses continue. Experts stress that sewage discharge into the ocean is unacceptable and must stop. The community waits anxiously for repairs that could take months, hoping for cleaner, safer waters in the future.