Have your say on the draft Strategy for the Rotorua Lakes
5 May 2013
The draft Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district has been released for public feedback.
Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group chairman Kevin Winters said the strategy was an important part of protecting and restoring Rotorua's iconic lakes.
The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes are so important for our region, historically, economically and culturally. The Strategy sets outs the vision for the lakes and provides steps on how to achieve that vision, he said.
The original Strategy is more than 10 years old. While the vision remains as relevant today as it was in the past, many other things have changed. A refreshed Strategy has been developed that retains the original vision but builds on the commitment of partner organisations to provide an integrated approach to managing the lakes and their catchments, Mr Winters said.
Te Arawa Lakes Trust Chairman Toby Curtis said the strategy was the community's document.
These lakes are our taonga and we need to protect them for current and future generations. In developing the new strategy we worked with the community, iwi and other interested parties to learn what they wanted for the lakes, he said.
The strategy is a voice for the Rotorua district community. It sets out what the community wants to achieve for the lakes. It is very aspirational and belongs to everyone who has an interest in the lakes now and in the future, Mr Curtis said.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chairman John Cronin said the development of the new strategy was a collaborative effort and it was important for the community to provide feedback.
The strategy was developed with lots of input from the community and partner organisations. Workshops and meetings where held with community groups, iwi and other stakeholders. We want the community to tell us what they think of the draft strategy and if there anything else that should be included, he said.
For a copy of the draft Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district and how to provide feedback visit www.rotorualakes.co.nz or go to Bay of Plenty Regional Council's office in Arawa Street, Rotorua District Council or Te Arawa Lakes Trust. Feedback closes on 17 May 2013.