A conservation group fears a truck crash may have polluted a precious wetland.
A truck that tipped on Friday on State Highway 1 at Pukerua, near Taupo Swamp, was carrying hazardous chemicals.
It blocked off traffic hoping to escape Wellington for the long weekend. Though a lane was opened up late that evening, there are fears the environmental effects could be long-term.
QEII National Trust deputy chief executive Paul Kirby says it could be devastating.
"It's a wetland with high biodiversity and ecological value. Less than 2.3 percent of the original wetlands remain in the Wellington region," he told Newshub.
Mr Kirby says staff are out checking the area for damage, hoping it hasn't killed too much wildlife.
"Pollutants, chemicals from the spillage will be devastating to the plant life, bird life, as well as fish and freshwater species, in the wetland."
Mr Kirby says it's an incredibly delicate ecosystem.
State Highway 1 around the crash was down to 50km/h from Plimmerton to Pukerua Bay on Saturday morning, according to NZTA.
Newshub.
