The clean-up of a stream in Lower Hutt that was once called the most polluted waterway in New Zealand is over.
Since last August, 56,000 tonnes of toxic waste has been excavated from the Waiwhetu Stream.
The $21 million cost was shared by the Government, Wellington Regional Council and Hutt City Council. The final cost was about $7 million more than first budgeted.
WRC chair Fran Wilde says she makes no apology for the cost because future generations will not be burdened with "an environmental disaster".
[audio:http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/national/mnr/2010/06/18/$21_million_later,_waiwhetu_stream_declared_crystal_clear]Listen to more on Morning Report