9 Dec 2025: Lake weed stranding at lakefront

Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Lakefront lake weed stranding

Enquiry

Just looking for an update on the lakeweed situation in Rotorua.

Was looking for the following ...

• The current status of the operation?
• If applicable, how much longer the operation is likely to continue?
• The amount of weed taken from the lake?
• Estimated cost (if possible)?
• Impact on the environment/wildlife?
• When should the smell clear up?
• Any further comment you wish to make?

These questions have been sent both to RLC and BOPRC for comment.

Response

We provided the reporter with the link to the latest update on RLC’s website (which was uploaded this morning)

BOPRC provided the following response:

We are happy with the response that RLC has provided and have no further comment to make in that regard.

In terms of the cost, we will have a confirmed figure once we receive final invoices.

An additional comment from us is below:

LINZ are responsible for lakeweed management across the Rotorua lakes.

There is more than 300 hectares of lakeweed beds alone within Lake Rotorua and current investment by LINZ is not sufficient to reduce the size of the weed beds. Until investment by LINZ is increased to reduce the size of the weed beds we expect these wash ups will continue, with the Council’s taking responsibility for and covering the costs of the clean-up to protect the public amenity of the lakefront area and its surrounds.