Lower river flows due to dry weather
10 March 2014
Low water levels in Lake Rotoiti from the current long dry spell mean the Okere Gates are now being operated at a lower flow, but with a rafting window' of higher flows during the middle of the day.
Lake Rotoiti is currently 50mm below its main operating range, with lower flow rates through the Ōhau Channel from Lake Rotorua.
Flows into the Kaituna River are carefully controlled under very strict consent conditions by the operation of the Okere Gates. The Gates has been operating at near minimum flow rates since the start of January. At the beginning of March, rafting operators on the Kaituna were informed that, in order to best maintain lake levels, the Okere Gates would be closed down to reduced flows.
The gates will now maintain a low flow rate into the Kaituna River but a four-hour rafting window' with higher flow rates will operate between 10am and 2pm each day.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council is closely monitoring the effects of this window on lake levels to ensure the higher flows are sustainable.