Gastro mystery continues

14 May 2025 • By Mary Anne Gill

Before the awards got underway. Photo: Christine Cornege

Mystery surrounds the cause of a gastroenteritis outbreak which hit nearly 100 people following the Waipā Business Awards at Mystery Creek.

Guests at the Waipā District Council table included, from left CEO Steph O’Sullivan, David Booth, John Hayward, Joy Mickelson, Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate, Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan, Greg Forsyth, Waikato Regional Council chair Pamela Storey, Michelle Templer and Anna Devcich. Photo: Christine Cornege.

The National Public Health Service is investigating the event attended by 350 people to celebrate business success in the district.

But within hours of the last award being handed out, attendees were experiencing symptoms in varying forms including diarrhoea, nausea, cramping and vomiting. Some took to their beds while others soldiered on.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Geoff Crump said the service was still investigating helped by the organisers Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, who emailed all attendees last week to give them the heads up and to urge them to report whether or not they got sick.

Outbreaks of gastroenteritis can be due to a variety of bacterial and viral and other causes but it is unknown what has caused this illness and Public Health are in the process of finding out.

People become infected when they swallow the bug either through food or touching contaminated objects or surfaces. It can also be transferred by a sick person.

“There is no ongoing risk to the public health however anyone who is unwell with gastroenteritis can pass it on to other people and so good hand hygiene is advised,” said Cramp.

The public health service had hoped to know by the weekend what had caused it but when The News went to press on Tuesday, there was still no indication of what or who was the culprit.

Attendees included mayors Susan O’Regan and Paula Southgate from Waipā and Hamilton as well Waikato Regional Council chair Pamela Storey.