$72m for massive Rotorua lakes clean-up

The Government has given more than $70 million toward a massive clean-up of Rotorua lakes.

The $72.1 million funding announced today represents half of the $144.2 million cost of the lakes restoration programme.

The other 50 per cent will be contributed by the Rotorua District Council and Environment Bay of Plenty.

The money will be spent on building or extending sewerage works to pick up waste from communities around lakes Rotorua, Rotoiti and Okareka.

Lake Rotoehu will be weeded, and - along with Lake Rotorua - will have nutrient rich streams treated or diverted.

Wetlands will also be built to reduce nutrients leaching into the lakes.

Prime Minister Helen Clark made the announcement today along with Rotorua MP and Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick.

Miss Clark said Rotorua's lakes had iconic status and were a tourism drawcard.

"It is vitally important that they are cleaned up to secure their future health and their ability to contribute to sustainable tourism."

Four lakes have been prioritised under the programme: Rotorua, Rotoiti, Okareka, and Rotoehu, Miss Clark said.

These lakes have the worst water quality, mainly due to sewage and pollution from farming practices.

Several other lakes will degrade over time if nutrient inputs are not managed.

Rotorua MP and conservation minister Steve Chadwick welcomed the announcement as a huge boost for the region.

"I know how important and precious the lakes are to everyone in this region.

"Thanks must also go to all the groups and individuals who are part of the Rotorua Lakes Protection and Restoration Action Programme," Mrs Chadwick said.

The government funding will get progressively paid out as the clean-up meets certain trigger points (to ensure public money is well spent).

These trigger points will enable research and testing to be undertaken to make sure the proposed interventions will be successful.

For example, the capping of the sediments of large lakes like Rotorua and Rotoiti is a technically complex undertaking which will need further research and testing before proceeding to the implementation phase.

The clean up and restoration programme for the 12 lakes is being undertaken by the Rotorua Lakes Strategy Group.

Mandated by the Te Arawa Lakes Settlement, this group comprises representatives from Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Rotorua District Council and Environment Bay of Plenty.

The 12 lakes are lakes Okareka, Rotokakahi, Okaro, Rotoma, Okataina, Rotomahana, Rerewhaakaitu, Rotorua, Rotoehu, Tarawera, Rotoiti and Tikitapu.