About 3200 residents in the Hawke’s Bay town have been hit by gastric illness, with the outbreak linked to campylobacter in the town’s water supply.
More than a dozen people were still in hospital and one person was still in intensive care.
It was revealed today that all of nearby Hastings’ water supply was also being chlorinated after an E coli indicator was found in an emergency water tanker taken to Havelock North.
The water for the tanker came from a supply in Hastings thought to be safe.
Announcing the inquiry today, Health Minister Jonathon Coleman said it was important the public had confidence in their water supply.
He said the inquiry would look at the outbreak and the response, as well as considering any wider systemic issues.
Dr Coleman said Cabinet would consider the terms of reference for the inquiry on Monday.
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