12 Aug 2025: Ohau Channel diversion wall

Media: 1News

Topic: Ohau Channel diversion wall

Enquiry

1News sought an interview with Mayor Tapsell regarding issues raised about the Ohau Channel Diversion Wall.

The date for the story to be aired is yet to be confirmed.

Response

Key points made by the mayor included:

• Quite a shocking example of asset deterioration
• Especially when issues of corrosion have been known for 11 years
• This is now having an impact on Lake Rotoiti
• BoPRC is the regulator and not holding themselves to same account as they do others – need to be consistent with their regulatory approach
• The solution is expensive – but BoPRC needs to invest in it
• Would like to see BoPRC act with urgency
• These issues have environmental and economic impacts
• Supportive of the community groups’ letter of demand to BoPRC for action