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www.
waikatoriver
.org.nzAncient peat lake, Lake Areare north of Hamilton,
is getting a new lease on life thanks to a
major collaboration led by the Department of
Conversation with funding from the Waikato
River Authority.
The lake has become severely degraded over many
decades and now has a very high nutrient level
causing algae growth.
The rehabilitation of the lake is a long term
project which is moving forward following the
construction of Waikato River Authority funded silt
traps with on the western side of the lake.
Glyn Morgan, DOC ranger for biodiversity, says
more than 10,000 natives will be planted this year
following the construction of the silt traps. He says
the early stages of the project to improve the lake
Authority co-chair Tukuroirangi Morgan and deputy co-chair Roger
Pikia, have been re-appointed to the Waikato River Authority by their
respective river iwi.
Mr Morgan and Mr Pikia were the lead negotiators for their iwi in the
Waikato River Treaty Settlement negotiations with the Crown. Both were
founding members of the Guardians Establishment Committee which laid
the foundations for the Authority.
Mr Morgan and Mr Pikia say they are humbled by their re-appointments
at a time when the Authority is celebrating its fifth anniversary.
Mr Morgan is King Tuheitia’s representative on the Waikato-Tainui
executive and a director for Tainui Group Holdings Ltd. Waikato-Tainui
interests in the Waikato River stretch from Karapiro to the mouth of the
Waikato River.
Mr Pikia is the chairman of the Te Arawa River Iwi Trust and the Ngati
Tahu-Ngati Whaoa Runanga Trust. Ngati Tahu-Ngati Whaoa’s interests
in the Waikato River stretch from Te Waiheke o Huka (Huka Falls) to
Pohaturoa (Atiamuri).
will also include the development of biodiversity
and habitat improvement for natives species of
fish and birdlife.
Lake Arearea has a rich cultural history and was
considered a spiritual marker point for iwi territory
over the centuries as well as an important source
for food gathering.
The lake is 31 hectares in size and there is about 13
hectares of land around the edges, owned by DOC
and Waikato District Council, which is ear-marked
for planting and restoration.
Partner organisations in the rehabilitation of
the lake include, DOC, Waikato River Authority,
Waikato Regional Council, Waikato District Council,
Fish and Game, Waikato Raupatu River Trust and
Fonterra through its Living Waters programme.
New life for ancient lake
Glyn Morgan surveys the outlet of the silt traps after
heavy spring rain.
Volunteers will have planted around 10,000 natives
including about 3500 wetland species during 2015.
Iwi appointees confirmed