26 September 2023
Media: Radio NZ
Topic: Iwi trust seeking closure of Lake Okataina to protect against potential gold clam incursions
Enquiry
I am just wanting to organise a quick radio pre-recorded interview about the situation at Lake Okataina near Rotorua and the spread of the invasive species, gold clam.
It will take a couple of minutes over the phone and it is not live.
Response
We referred the journalist in the first instance to Ngāti Tarāwhai Iwi Trust, and the Te Arawa Lakes Trust (TALT) which is supporting them in their efforts to have the lake closed.
We provided contact details for both and noted that both had put out statements which they would be happy to share.
We also clarified that:
No gold clams have been found in the lake
The iwi trust is seeking the lake’s closure to protect it from any potential incursions
The lake is not closed at this point in time
Any decision to close would need to be made by MPI
Rotorua Lakes Council has no direct involvement in the process to seek the lake’s closure, hence pointing her to the two organisations which are leading this.
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Media: Newshub (Paddy Gower Has Issues show)
Topic: Dirt bike issues
Enquiry
Councillor Don Patterson received a call from the "Paddy Gower Has Issues Show" re dirt bike issues.
Response
Cr Patterson provided brief comment and mentioned we are working on our Community Safety Strategy. He also suggested that they contact Mayor Tapsell.