5 June 2024
Te Tukunga Waikai Otaota | Aquatic Weed Control operations
Starting from the 20th of May until the 30th of June, Te Tukunga Waikai Otaota | Aquatic weed control operations will be taking place in Lake Rotoiti, Lake Rotoehu, Lake Rotomā, Lake Tarawera and Lake Ōkataina using the herbicide Diquat Dibromide.
Spray Control operations is very dependent on the weather on the day so is subject to change. Updates are being provided through the Te Arawa Aquatic Pest Hub facebook page & Te Arawa Lakes Trust web page.
During spray control operations a rāhui will be placed on the area of control, prohibiting swimming, taking food, and collecting drinking water for 24 hours following treatment.
Signage will be erected during this time to ensure lake users are aware of rāhui & spray operations.
Information about Spray Plan 2
Conditions of spray operation consents included pre-spray monitoring of the surrounding area for notable areas of bird life. Findings from these reports and from the community are considered alongside recommendations from the Department of Conservation to ensuring roosting and breeding sites are undisturbed throughout the process.
Significance to tangata whenua such as wāhi tapu, mahinga kai and papakāinga was also considered. These sites can be added to or omitted from the programme upon request from hapū.
Any queries should be directed to Te Arawa Lakes Trust via email aquaticweed@tearawa.iwi.nz. Further updates in relation to the work and treatment progress can be found on www.tearawa.iwi.nz and www.linz.govt.nz
Alternatively, you can keep up to date with communications via the Te Arawa Aquatic Pest Hub Facebook page.
