15 June 2026: Lakefront litter

Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Lakefront litter

Enquiry

I was hoping you could answer a few questions regarding some concerns about the condition across the Lakefront in Rotorua, specifically the walkway around the lake. Please let me know if any of these questions are not relevant to RLC and I can direct them to the appropriate body (BOPRC or TALT).

• Are you aware of concerns about littering around the Motutara Point area of the lake, and also into the lake, especially at the current location of the Lakeland Queen?
• Are the toilets currently non-operational at Motutara Point? If so, why, how long for, and when are they expected to be back up and running?
• Do RLC believe there is enough provision for rubbish across the walkway (meaning enough litter and recycling bins available) and do you have the number of bins available on the route?
• When rubbish enters the lake, whose responsibility is it to clear up, and how do RLC play a role?

NOTE: the reporter clarified that the concerns he was referring to came from a member of the public.

Response

From Stavros Michael, Group Manager Infrastructure and Assets:

Are you aware of concerns about littering around the Motutara Point area of the lake, and also into the lake, especially at the current location of the Lakeland Queen?

We haven’t been made aware, no. Litter in the lake is an ongoing issue and where it builds up depends on which way the wind has blown the litter. If it is along the shore of Motutara Point and the Lakeland Queen, it will be related to the northerly winds we have had during the last month.

Are the toilets currently non-operational at Motutara Point? If so, why, how long for, and when are they expected to be back up and running?

They are currently not operating due to an issue with a break in the power supply. Contractors are undertaking testing to determine what needs to be done to fix the problem so we can re-open the facility as soon as possible.

Do RLC believe there is enough provision for rubbish across the walkway (meaning enough litter and recycling bins available) and do you have the number of bins available on the route?

There are 28 240-litre bins located throughout the area which are usually emptied daily, increasing to up to three times per day during peak holiday periods.

During the quieter winter months, many bins are regularly found to be only partially full or near empty.

Litter can enter the lake in many different ways and via different locations around the catchment. Wind direction and lake currents have a significant influence on where litter accumulates along the shoreline.

This can create the perception that litter is entering the lake at a particular location but it may have originated elsewhere.

Litter bins are strategically located in areas where visitors are most likely to gather, sit and/or consume food or drinks. Experience shows that people who intend to dispose of their waste responsibly will generally seek out and use a litter bin. Those who choose not to dispose of waste appropriately may fail to use a litter bin even if there is one nearby so the presence of additional bins does not necessarily translate into a reduction in littering behaviour.

When rubbish enters the lake, whose responsibility is it to clear up, and how do RLC play a role?

Rotorua Lakes Council collaborates with the other agency stakeholders in the care of the lake – Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and affected communities.