Letters: An end to trout fishing as we know it?

Letters: An end to trout fishing as we know it? Photo/File

Trout in jeopardy

It has become very obvious that the amendment to the Conservation Act regarding freshwater fishing proposed by the Green Party, and supported by NZ First, will result in another privilege for Māori.

Given that the draconian changes to trout fishing, in particular, enabling DOC to remove sports fish from waterways, enabling the commercial farming of trout, and enabling our non- indigenous freshwater fish to become part of treaty claims, will put an end to trout fishing as we know it today.

Such a drastic backward step would, therefore, open the door here in Rotorua for more cases such as the Green Lake, where today only Māori can fish.

What has been particularly surprising is that Fish and Game, which has successfully managed our freshwater fisheries for over 50 years, have not been consulted over this amendment.

It is therefore imperative that the proponents of this amendment get the message from all supporters of the current fishing regime we have in New Zealand. Refer to the Fish and Game website for further information.

Mike Mcvicker
Rotorua

Lakefront plan

What was agreed to in the Long Term Plan was for an upgrade of the lakefront ($6.7m), not a whopping $40m. The museum has got to be the priority.

Maintenance of the footpath along the front of the lake has been lacking for the last five years. What happened to the cleaners that came every night to clean the footpath so that it was clean and tidy for the tourists the next day?

Please don't move the carparks. Lots of us love parking there looking at the view and not having to get out when the weather is cold (winter and summer), and an icy wind blows across the lake.

A safety fence round the existing children's playground, which our grandchildren love, would be a good idea. We don't need a new playground.

The boardwalk is very impractical. No safety railings (surprised if this would even pass health and safety concerns). Hardly suitable for children, strollers or wheelchairs.

Please get your priorities right council and stop spending the ratepayer's money on your vanity projects.

Monica Macpherson
Rotorua