Thread: Lake Ōkataina closed!!

Originally Posted by MB

I believe this is about access and flexing muscle, that was certainly the case up here. Non-invasive species and environmental concerns are very convenient in this context. With regional councils falling over themselves to please Iwi and appear "green", common sense doesn't stand much of a chance.

I've worked in the sector of invasive species protection, while there may be some form of control element (flexing muscles) - my experience is that we are getting a lot more responsive to incursions of invasive species as we should. If there is any muscle flexing going on, it's directed towards giving the controlling authority a rocket. In my size up this isn't a Waikaremoana type situation, if it was there would be a tank ditch straight across the sole access road just after the driveway into the lodge...

Originally Posted by No.3

In my size up this isn't a Waikaremoana type situation, if it was there would be a tank ditch straight across the sole access road just after the driveway into the lodge...

Instead we have rocks across a boat ramp.

I hope you're right and I'm wrong!

Originally Posted by MB

Instead we have rocks across a boat ramp.

I hope you're right and I'm wrong!

It's only riprap boulders, easy to pick up and relocate.

My concern is this sort of thing can become control by stealth, I also ask why do Iwi get final say on these kind of situations.
Surely there are mkitigation plans that could be put in place and what’s next? Every other lake around Rotorua?

Originally Posted by Hunter595

My concern is this sort of thing can become control by stealth, I also ask why do Iwi get final say on these kind of situations.
Surely there are mkitigation plans that could be put in place and what’s next? Every other lake around Rotorua?

Not as such - this is pretty much the test case. It has always been weeds, not organisms that reproduce by themselves to the tune of thousands a day...

Originally Posted by Hunter595

My concern is this sort of thing can become control by stealth, I also ask why do Iwi get final say on these kind of situations.
Surely there are mkitigation plans that could be put in place and what’s next? Every other lake around Rotorua?

What’s crazy is that MPI and the regional council have done absolutely nothing about the risk at the source. Ie you can go skiing on lake karapiro in a ballast holding ski/wakeboard boat and then drive to Rotoiti or tarawera (where you are able to ski).

The source should be closed ie karapiro until MPI get their act together.

None of these boats visit okataina as.
1.there is a ban on skiing & wakeboarding
2 there is a ban on jet skis
3. The tortuous drive in and the launching facilities mean that the boat users are all hard core trout fisherman.

I believe that the Maori groups mentioned have simply been waiting for the right moment/excuse to stop public access and MPI have set a dangerous precedent.

Let’s wait & see what the new minister of Hunting & fishing Todd Mclay has to say in a months time and what action F&G take.

Originally Posted by Hunter595

My concern is this sort of thing can become control by stealth, I also ask why do Iwi get final say on these kind of situations.
Surely there are mkitigation plans that could be put in place and what’s next? Every other lake around Rotorua?

Iwi asked MPI, who have the final say. They are closing for a month to get cleaning stations in place.

"Once we have the facilities to ensure all boats coming into the lake are clam-free, the lake will be open to enjoy for the remainder of the season."