Short answer: Early reporting indicates that an outbreak of illness at a North Canterbury campground was linked to contamination of a private drinking water supply, with tests identifying a shiga toxin–producing E. coli as the likely cause. At least 10 people fell ill and six were hospitalised, with authorities issuing boil-water advisories and directing the site to implement proper water treatment.

Details and context

• Outbreak source: Public health authorities identified the campground’s private drinking water supply as the probable source of illness, later confirmed as a shiga toxin–producing E. coli (often abbreviated STEC) outbreak. Boil-water advisories were issued and a consumer advisory remained in place as treatment improvements were implemented.

• Case counts and severity: Reports describe at least 10 confirmed cases and up to 37 probable cases associated with the Hanmer Springs Forest Camp, with six people hospitalised. Symptoms commonly include severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), vomiting, and fever.

• Public health actions: Taumata Arowai and Health NZ’s National Public Health Service coordinated response, including water-safety messaging and site inspections to verify drinking-water protections and mitigation measures. The boil-water notice remained in effect until water treatment met safety standards.

• Ongoing communications: Multiple outlets reported on the situation across mid-October 2025, including follow-ups about individual cases (e.g., a girl with extended illness) and updates about school groups affected by the outbreak.

Important notes

• The pathogen involved, STEC (a form of pathogenic E. coli), can cause serious illness, especially for young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Prompt boil-water advisories and thorough water-treatment improvements are standard public-health responses in such cases.

• If you’re seeking prevention tips for campground visits: always boil water from private sources before drinking, wash hands frequently, and follow posted advisories or campground staff instructions about water safety and food handling.

If you’d like, I can pull up the latest official statements or provide a concise timeline of events from the cited sources.