Letter to the Editor, Thursday February 25, 2016

It's still our lake

In the early 60s Lake Ngatu, also known as Russell Lake, was pristine, and all Paparore School swam daily in summer. It was a highlight of early school days, swimming with your school friends. We called it our lake then, and today, so to my dismay I read your recent article on the front page.

I am concerned, and ask why the lake is degenerating.

Over time we have noticed more housing around the lake, hopefully not drawing off water for their gardens, power boats and water-skiing with fuel fumes released in and around the vegetation areas, where the kuta grows. Kuta is a tupuna name also. It is the kaitiaki of our freshwater lakes, and this has been over-harvested for cultural resources in raranga. Permission needs to go through Ngai Takoto Marae committee first so they can monitor it.

Kuta filters with the sandstone spit on the base of the lake. When we see minnows and leaches, small water life, it's okay, but that's not so these days. Rainfall has been high to keep water levels average through winter, but the Sweetwater aquifer is being used daily for high outputs locally. The balance isn't right.

Now it is unsafe to swim in and the community loses out on the natural gift to enjoy and look after. Waka ama have mentioned that some paddlers have had skin reactions from the water also. Local pines have been cut, so they won't be drawing off the water table. Pines need lots of water.

DOC has replanted with flaxes and small natives to enhance and hold the embankments and filter soil wash-off into the lake.

Regional council tests water safety; do they still? Then signs need to go up to close off from public use until the lake revives back into balance again, two or three years closed.

He maanakitanga Kai tiaki Whaea o Te Motu MWWL Ropu.JANE TAHANA-ALLANPan Tribal Local Wahine