Concerns for beauty spot hit by flood

SPOILED: Recent weather has destroyed the beauty of the lake. PHOTOS/BASIL HOOPER 1072015WCSUPAFTER2

Waverley resident Basil Hooper is concerned that his favourite spot in Waitotara may never be the same again since recent weather has spoiled the landscape.

Mr Hooper said Lake Mangawhio is loved by the people of Waitotara and Waverley as a tranquil place to go tramping, fishing or just enjoy as a tranquil place to relax.

The L-shaped lake was nestled quietly in a Department of Conservation reserve in the Waitotara hills where it could only be reached on foot.

Recent heavy rains have destroyed the culvert and broken the banks of the lake so that most of the water has drained away and the once tranquil lake resembles a large muddy puddle.

"The lake was formed around 1200 years ago when the land collapsed and formed the L-shape - it was such a unique and special place," Mr Hooper said.

Department of Conservation officer Jasmine Hessell said the department was aware of how much the lake meant to local people but as DoC were still assessing damage in the region it was impossible to make any predictions. "It is too early to tell at this stage if the culvert will be rebuilt.

"Since the flooding we have a suite of assessments under way across infrastructure on public conservation lands in the Wanganui District."

Ms Hessell said the lake area has commercial as well as ecological and recreational value for people in the area and the department would consider all concerns.

"There are several groups who will no doubt be interested in rebuilding the culvert, as it provides for access to logging operations and private landowners. We note that the ecological and cultural values of Lake Mangawhio are considered to be very high," she said.

Mr Hooper, a keen tramper, said he realised there were more pressing concerns to be addressed, but he hoped the local geographical treasure might be restored.