This is a vital project to protect the health of the lakes and natural environment. We have constantly heard how highly valued these lakes are by our residents, visitors and mana whenua.
The work underway to install pipework under Tarawera Road is 90% complete. We acknowledge that the current stage of work is a concern for some, resulting in protests at the worksite.
Alongside our community and project partners, we remain committed to pursue the priorities which are: (1) protecting the health of the people who live and work in our rohe and (2) the taiao (environment).
We understand that some concern may be arising from insufficient information and it would be beneficial to provide the time and space to address these concerns.
To facilitate this, the work on the pipe installation along Tarawera Road (opposite Lake Rotokākahi) is being paused to enable further direct discussions with iwi and mana whenua.
During this pause, traffic management and security at the work site will remain operational. Please take care using the road corridor, as it is still mobilised as a work site.
Allowing the declining water quality of any of the Te Arawa lakes is not an acceptable option by our communities. We will continue to work with all our partners in delivering the corrective actions that are needed to protect the lakes.
We thank our community for their patience and understanding as we engage in meaningful dialogue with our project partners and mana whenua.
