9 Oct 2026: lake weed study, airport opposes kura extension

Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: New lake weed study in Lake Rotorua

Enquiry

I'm working on a story about the new Lake Rotorua weed modelling research released by LINZ [this week].

Questions:

• How significant are the findings of this modelling from the council's perspective?
• What impact do major weed wash-up events have on Rotorua's lakefront and public spaces?
• Does the council expect the research will lead to fewer weed wash-up events in future?
• Does the modelling provide greater confidence that weed-management efforts are being targeted in the right areas?
• Does the council anticipate any changes to its approach or involvement in weed management as a result of the findings?

What would the council like residents and lakefront users to take away from this research?

Response

From Group Manager - Community Experience, Alex Wilson:

The modelling supports what we have observed following summer and autumn storms and gives us greater confidence that lake weed control is being targeted in the areas most likely to contribute to strandings at the Rotorua lakefront.

In response to previous strandings, a shared control programme was launched in Septemberthis year with external partners TALT, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Rotorua Lakes Council, Rotorua Trust and BayTrust.

It covers about 200 hectares, including the main problem area south of Kawaha Point, and the research will help inform future annual planning.

However, it is not a solution on its own. Smaller strandings from other weed beds may still occur, and further control measures will be needed to reduce future wash-ups.

This is important because large strandings can create strong odours, reduce oxygen levels, contribute to fish deaths and affect a lakefront that is highly valued by our community.

The reporter also contacted BOP Regional Council for comment and they provided the following response:

What do you see as the most significant finding from this modelling?

The findings affirm what Regional Council staff have suspected for some time, and we are hopeful this will help to progress solutions to address these weed beds.

Had lake managers already suspected the weed bed offshore from Rotorua city was a major contributor to weed wash-up events, or is this a new understanding?

As above

Will the findings change weed-control priorities or management activity in Lake Rotorua? If so, how?

The modelling indicates that targeting the shallower, surface-reaching parts of the weed bed could reduce the amount of weed available to break free and wash ashore, so managing these areas will be a key consideration for the Bay of Plenty Aquatic Pest Co-ordination Group. However, while the modelling has identified potential priority control areas, there are other challenges that underpin any future management response, including adequate funding and resourcing, available control tools and environmental conditions. At the scale of this weed bed, herbicide is currently the only practical control tool available. Its effectiveness is dependent on suitable treatment conditions, particularly adequate water clarity and low levels of sediment, which can frequently be a constraint in Lake Rotorua. These factors, along with the scale of the weed bed and the resources required to undertake treatment, will need to be considered when determining what level of control is practical and achievable.

What actions, if any, are likely to be taken as a result of the modelling?

As above. The modelling results will help inform future management decisions, with the priority areas identified likely to be a key discussion point for the Aquatic Pest Co-ordination Group. However, any control programme would need to consider the practical challenges of treating the weed bed, including adequate funding and resourcing, available control tools and environmental conditions.

Do you expect the findings will help reduce future weed wash-up events on the Rotorua lakefront?

Yes, if funding is prioritised to address prevention and mitigation of these beds.

What are the biggest challenges in managing the weed bed identified by the modelling?

There are several challenges:

The weed beds out front of the city cover a large area (approximately 280 hectares) making any meaningful control very costly.

There are also practical limitations on when treatment can occur. At this scale, herbicide treatment is the only practical control tool currently available. Herbicide can only be applied when water clarity is suitable, and the weeds are free of sediment. Lake Rotorua is frequently affected by sediment and poor visibility, which can significantly reduce the number of suitable treatment opportunities.

Funding and resourcing.

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Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Rotorua Airport opposition to proposed extension at nearby kura

Enquiry

Request to RLC:

I am looking into the application of Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Ruamata to expand near Rotorua airport.

I was wondering if you might have the initial application documents available for me to look over, just to get a full understanding of what it was the school and MoE were after and therefore the airport's objections.

Request to Rotorua Airport:

I'm working on a story regarding the proposed expansion of Kura o Ruamata and Rotorua Regional Airport's decision not to provide affected-party approval for the application.

At last week's council meeting, Nicole Brewer said the airport had declined affected-party approval due to unresolved safety concerns. She also said this was the first time you had declined affected-party approval.

So I am just looking for some comment on the following…

• What specific factors led the airport to decline affected-party approval?
• What are the airport's primary concerns regarding the proposed expansion?
• How significant are concerns relating to aircraft incidents, noise, wake turbulence and future airport growth?
• Can you clarify whether this was the first such decision to reject a proposal during Nicoles tenure as chief executive, or the first time Rotorua Regional Airport has declined affected-party approval for a resource consent application?
• Does the airport support the expansion of Kura o Ruamata in principle, subject to safety concerns being resolved?
• Is there any information or evidence that could address the airport's concerns during any future hearing process?

Please also provide any additional comment you would like included.

Response

From RLC:

We informed the reporter that unfortunately the staff member best placed to assist is currently on leave.

We suggested that in the meantime, he contact the Ministry of Education for information on the application, including a copy of the consent if available and Rotorua Airport for comment on its objections.

From Rotorua Airport:

The Airport noted it was unable to provide the consent application but provided the following comment/information:

Please attribute to Rotorua Airport Chief Executive Nicole Brewer:

"Rotorua Airport was identified as an affected person for a resource consent application from the Ministry of Education to Rotorua Lakes Council about proposed developments at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata, including increasing the consented roll to 228 students.

"In line with our health and safety obligations, Rotorua Airport must assess the potential safety impacts of any proposed development around the Airport, including as this relates to aircraft, passengers and people on the ground – in this case, ākonga and kaimahi at the kura.

"We take these obligations extremely seriously. As such, the Airport followed a thorough process to understand the potential risks, drawing on the expertise of international aviation regulations, external consultants and airport users.

"Based on an initial assessment, we were not in a position to provide affected-party approval, as there were unresolved safety matters. Our understanding is that <<or just start here>> this process will now go to an independent hearing for assessment and decision, and we believe this is the appropriate next step in this case.

"This decision is not a reflection on the kura or its kaupapa. We recognise how important Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata is to its whānau and the wider community, and we support its growth in principle.

"Rotorua Airport is seeking further guidance from external experts and will continue to work with the Ministry of Education, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata and Rotorua Lakes Council to provide all available and relevant information to support the final decision-making process."