Construction of a major sediment trap at the Arawhata Stream aims to collect sediment before it reaches the lake.
There will also be better positioned and larger drains alongside farms to be more effective at collecting runoff.
The drainage scheme is partly funded by the Tararua Growers Association, contributing about a third of the cost, $104,000 in kind of resources and hours to complete recommended work.
The rest will come from rates and landowners in the Hokio Scheme.
Horizons natural resources and partnerships group manager Dr Jon Roygard said once the project is completed later this year, the trap should reduce the amount of sediment and phosphorus entering the lake from the stream by 50 per cent. Half of the sediment from this one stream equates to 25 per cent of overall sediment into the lake, largely due to horticulture.
For decades the issues of sediment and other contaminants flowing into the lake had not been addressed, however the establishment of the Lake Horowhenua Accord (He Hokioi Rerengatahi) in 2013 and the Crown-funded Fresh Start for Freshwater Clean-up Fund in 2014, has meant a greater focus on restoring the health of the lake.
Hokio Beach resident Christine Moriarty said she is appalled with Horizons' approach, claiming it's an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff and not addressing the real issues.
"The thing that really angers me is that I live down Hokio Beach and we are paying for this Hokio Drainage Scheme that aids the market gardeners but still pollutes the lake," she said.
"Hokio beach residents experience the consequences of the silt and contaminants passing us and into the ocean, contaminating the kai moana, fisheries and effecting the bird life."
Ms Moriarty questions whether the drainage scheme is really the best option.
"Surely it would have been better, instead of putting in larger drainage, that the runoff be collected by the market gardeners instead of ending up in a waterway," she said.
Chairman of Tararua Growers Association Terry Olsen said growers are more aware about taking responsibility for their environment than they have ever been.
"There is always going to be room for improvement - with research and science we learn how things can be done better," he said.
Mr Olsen said that with the gift in kind towards the works and continual focus on improving their practices, he hopes the community will see that they are taking responsibility.
He said that the cost for the works should be shared among the community.
"No one enjoys an increase in rates but when you live in a community where vibrancy is due to the economic growth horticulture brings, the cost should be shared around."
Tararua Association members have been looking at ways to further reduce sediment loss, including one farmer who has retired some land, turning it into a paddock, growers changing row directions and creating more pasture at the end of crop rows to work as an interceptor for runoff and sediment.
Dr Roygard said a programme is underway with Landcare Research to test the effectiveness of some of these preventative measures.
