Notices

November 30, 2023

IMPORTANT NOTICE: BOATING RESTRICTIONS TO SAFEGUARD OUR WATERS

In response to the threat posed by the Golden Clam (corbicula fluminea), the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has issued Controlled Area Notices (CAN) for the protection of the Waikato River, Taupōnuiatia, and Rotorua Lakes.

Waikato Awa CAN Requirements:

1. Wake Boats: Boats that have been in the controlled stretch of the Waikato River MUST not be used in any other waterways, including parts of Waikato River outside of the controlled area.
2. Recreational River Users: Follow existing clam-specific Check Clean Dry Protocols for all watercraft, gear and equipment used in the controlled river area.
3. Definition of Wake Boats: Any watercraft with an internal tank or bladder that cannot be completely drained. These are singled out as there is no satisfactory method of cleaning the bladder tanks inside such vehicles.

PURPOSE: To prevent the Golden Clam from leaving the Waikato River.

Te Arawa Lakes CAN Requirements:

Lake Ōkataina:

1. All boats must be cleaned at a designated wash station in Rotorua before entering the lake. Check Clean Dry Requirements
2. Access to Lake Ōkataina is controlled, open Friday to Sunday between 6.30am-7.00pm.

All 14 Te Arawa Lakes:

1. Any boat that has been in the Waikato River in the previous 30 days must be cleaned at a designated wash station before entering the water.

PURPOSE: To prevent the Golden Clam from entering the Rotorua Lakes.

 For more information on the Golden Clam and these CANs, please use this link here

07 Feb, 2023

Maori Purposes Act 2022

 Lake Rotoaira Trust are pleased to be able to communicate to our owners and whanau that the amended Maori Purposes Act 2022 has now been passed into law.

 The amendments that will be of most interest to whanau include changes to the Maori Purposes Act of 1959 and the Rotoaira Trout Fishing Regulations 1979, including that:

• The definition of adjoining waters forming part of the Lake will now include the primary location for trout monitoring and the main area where Lake Rotoaira trout spawn. This will bring these locations into the Lake fishery area.
• Rotoaira Trustees will now be able to make recommendations to the Minister of Conservation in regards to size and bag limits, hours of fishing and conditions relating to fishing methods and equipment, not just open and closed seasons for fishing.
• Anyone fishing in Lake Rotoaira for a species other than trout will no longer need to hold a Taupo Trout Fishing District licence.
• Maximum fines for breaches of the Act and Regulations will increase from $100 to $5,000, bringing penalties into alignment with those for sports fishery offences under the Conservation Act 1987.
• Trustees of Motuopuhi Maori Reservation and their invitees will now be able to access the Lake without a permit.
• The Act also clarifies that the right of entry to the Lake without a permit does not authorise fishing.

The Trust has been pushing for changes to the Maori Purposes Act since 2015, so the amendments are a great outcome for Lake Rotoaira Trust. The Trust would like to formally acknowledge everyone that has worked through the years towards achieving this milestone outcome which will benefit Lake Rotoaira Trust, our owners, whanau and whenua for many years to come.

Fishing Licences for Lake Rotoaira

27 August, 2022

The fishing season on Lake Rotoaira begins on the 1^st September 2022 and ends 30 June 2023.

Licences are available for purchase from $8 per Adult and $2 per Child, via the online portal from 1 September 2022 at www.doc.govt.nz/RotoairaLicence.

Mana whenua fishing licences are available for free to Lake Rotoaira Trust owners and beneficiaries.

To secure your licence, please contact our Lake Ranger on 027 815 2257.

Activities