21 July 2026: Prince's Gate arch, lake weed clean-up

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Prince's Gate arch

Enquiry

I have been contacted by a member of the public and have also seen on social media that deconstruction of the Prince's Gate Archway is expected to start this week, rather than in two to three months as reported last week.

I wanted to check if there was any truth to deconstruction starting this week instead and if so, when and why the date has been brought forward?

Response

We can confirm that this is not correct.

As we have stated (Safety works planned for Prince’s Gate Archway - Rotorua Lakes Council) work to deconstruct the arches is expected to begin within the next two to three months and the public will be advised in advance.

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Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Latest lake weed clean-up

Enquiry

I just wanted an update on the state of lake weed on Lake Rotorua as I know there was a recent clean-up.

I have sent this enquiry to both RLC and BOPRC as I know the entire clean-up operation can be a team job.

Just looking for some details about that, with a deadline of 10am Tuesday if possible.

Some questions below:

• When was the most recent lake weed cleanup at Lake Rotorua?
• Why was this clean-up initiated?
• How much did it cost?
• What did it entail?
• How much material was removed from the water and where is it going?
• Any progress on further funding or support from the government to get better control over the lake weed issue in Lake Rotorua, and the district’s other impacted lakes?

Response

From Alex Wilson, Group Manager – Community Experience:

The most recent lake weed clean up at the Rotorua lakefront started on 29 June and was completed 7 July.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council sourced a contractor who used a floating excavator and small weed harvester to remove weed from around the board walks, jetties and embayment area.

The regional council covered the costs of the contractor to remove weed from the water and Rotorua Lakes Council was responsible for disposal which cost about $2500 +GST.

About 135 tonnes of lake weed was removed during this operation and taken to council’s de-watering site to dry out prior to disposal.

Rotorua Lakes Council is collaborating with Te Arawa Lakes Trust and Bay of Plenty Regional Council on funding solutions. All three have committed additional funding towards weed control and efforts to secure more funding externally are ongoing with applications and requests made to trusts and LINZ.