Farmers, ratepayers, tangata whenua, and water quality experts got an opportunity to see how the Tarawera Lakes Restoration Plan was developed first hand during a field trip on and around the lake today.
The trip, which was organised by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, saw the group visit the Tarawera lookout, Hot Water Beach, and award winning farm Highlands Station.
They heard from iwi, University of Waikato scientists, Regional Council staff and local farmers about the work they are doing to improve water quality and keep the lake healthy for future generations.
The Tarawera Lakes Restoration Plan is aiming to reduce the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen in Lake Tarawera and its seven surrounding lakes that flow in to Lake Tarawera. The final draft of the Restoration Plan was approved in December last year.
The plan is part of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme partnership between Regional Council, Rotorua Lakes Council, Te Arawa Lakes Trust, with funding from the Ministry for the Environment.