7 April 2025: lake weed stranding

Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Lake weed at lakefront

Enquiry

I've noticed there is a buildup of lakeweed presumably after the bad weather and I wanted to ask if there were plans for this to be dealt with soon? It's starting to smell in places.

If so may I please have the details including cause, when to be dealt with, cost, what's involved, any complaints etc.

Response

From Group Manager – Community Experience Alex Wilson:

Lakeweed often accumulates after stormy weather and is typical for autumn. Strong northerly storm winds push the weed towards the lakefront and a change to southerly winds can aid in its removal from the shoreline but when natural conditions are insufficient, Rotorua Lakes Council collaborates with its partners (Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Land Information NZ) for a coordinated weed clearance plan.

Regarding Friday’s weather event: we are still confirming plans and getting the situation assessed over the next few days. If it needs attention, then it is likely we’ll need an excavator in the lake to move the weed off the shore to where it can be picked up by the weed harvester and taken to a boat ramp for disposal.

We don’t yet know the cost of the clean-up. This varies depending on how much weed needs to be cleared.