The Tikitapu (Blue Lake) wetlands project by the Rotorua Water Ski Club is halfway through construction. Photo / Stephen Parker
The Tikitapu (Blue Lake) wetlands project by the Rotorua Water Ski Club is halfway through construction. Photo / Stephen Parker
Work on the Tikitapu (Blue Lake) wetlands project has reached the halfway mark with anticipation building for a smoother water skiing surface.
After three years fundraising, the Rotorua Water Ski Club started work last week on the floating wetland.
Club treasurer Paul Laing said the project, which would cost morethan $300,000, was being built by a Maungatoroto company and involved weighing down 25 panels with 50 anchors. The project follows 10 years of debate among club members and other skiers who wanted to make the water on the slalom course consistent and smooth.
"We have a chunk of the anchor system in place, divers have spent most of the week putting in the anchors. They've assembled the pontoon and have been planting the native plants into the wetlands," Mr Laing said.
"The club is really excited by the whole project and are really looking forward to the next ski season for sure."
Mr Laing said they were grateful for the support of their partners in the project, which included Lotteries Grants Board, Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust, First Sovereign Trust, Southern Trust, NZ Community Trust, Bay Trust, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Environment Enhancement Fund and Lion Foundation.
