Yellow slicks around Wellington likely pollen

Alt text: Pale yellow-green slick and floating leaves on the water beside a wooden jetty.
Yellow slicks appearing on Wellington waterways at this time of year may be pollen rather than pollution, Greater Wellington says. Residents are still encouraged to report anything unusual so it can be checked.

Yellow dust appearing in Wellington waterways, along the coastline, in gutters and on cars is likely to be pollen rather than pollution, Greater Wellington says.

Pollen often settles on the surface of water at this time of year and into spring, creating yellow slicks that can look like an environmental spill.

Greater Wellington said it regularly receives reports about the unusual-looking material and appreciates people raising concerns.

It said it would rather investigate a natural occurrence than have someone stay silent about possible pollution.

Wellington residents who are unsure about substances in waterways or coastal areas are encouraged to keep reporting them so they can be checked.