Media Release
26 March 2008
Lakes to Get Long Awaited Facelift
The news that the government is to invest in the restoration of Rotorua’s lakes has been a long time coming and is a
welcome announcement, says New Zealand First conservation spokesperson Doug Woolerton.
“We in New Zealand First are of the view that government has an obligation to the preservation of our natural heritage,
and the $72.1 million promised over the next ten years will go a long way to help clean up the worst affected lakes –
Rotoiti, Rotorua, Rotoehu and Okareka.
“The lakes have become an embarrassment; badly polluted with sewage, nutrient run-off and algal blooms and are no longer
the tourist magnets that they have been in the past. Our ‘clean, green’ image, that we hold so dear, is under threat
when we allow this to occur.
“We are fortunate in this country to be surrounded by so much natural beauty, but our natural heritage must be
maintained and preserved, not only to attract the tourism trade, but to leave a legacy intact for future generations,”
said Mr Woolerton.
ENDS