Tarawera Sewerage Scheme workshop with Bay of Plenty Regional Council

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has clarified information relating to the Tarawera Sewerage Scheme and put forward two funding options for Rotorua Lakes Council’s consideration.

The clarifications and funding options were discussed at a workshop today (Wednesday 12 March 2025) with Rotorua Lakes Council elected members.

Facts clarified by the regional council covered various matters including why the Tarawera sewerage scheme is needed and various funding matters including deed funding arrangements - deed funding for Tarawera is separate from the deed funding arrangement signed in 2008 for four lakes in the Rotorua district.

The regional council also explained a “rates swap” option to provide more funding for the Tarawera scheme and offered a $4m loan over two years towards the scheme.

Mayor Tania Tapsell said elected members would discuss the options presented by the regional council and decide how to respond.

The workshop was livestreamed and you can view the recording at the following link on Rotorua Lakes Council’s YouTube channel: Rates Swap Option for Lakes Restoration Project Workshop - 12 March 2025

You can view Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s presentation slides at the following link on Rotorua Lakes Council’s website: boprc-presentation-rates-swap-option-workshop-12-march-2025.pdf