A warning about collecting and eating shellfish from Ōtaki region beaches has been lifted. The Ministry for Primary Industries issued the alert for west coast beaches from Waikato to Te Horo in mid-August. It removed the warning on September 20. Shellfish and seawater samples are taken every week from popular shellfish gathering areas around New Zealand and are tested for toxic algae. If the shellfish are not safe to eat, then public health warnings are issued and signs are posted at affected beaches. To receive email updates on warnings, go to “Shellfish biotoxin alerts” at mpi.govt.nz