The partnership includes Te Arawa Lakes Trust, T\u016bhourangi Tribal Authority, Ng\u0101ti Tarawhai Iwi Trust, \u014ck\u0101reka Communities Association, Tarawera Ratepayers Association, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the Rotorua Lakes Council.<\/p>\n
Boaties need to \u201cCheck, Clean, Dry” to stop the spread of the invasive freshwater gold clam.<\/p>\n
Gold clams<\/a> pose a serious and irreversible threat to freshwater ecosystems.<\/p>\n They are most commonly spread by recreational boats moving between waterways.<\/p>\n Once established, they cannot be eradicated, meaning prevention is the only effective option.<\/p>\n But Fish & Game New Zealand Eastern Region chief executive Arash Alaeinia said they were concerned at the limited consultation with Fish & Game prior to the announcement of temporary measures at Lake \u014ck\u0101reka and potentially Lake Tarawera.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile Lake \u014ck\u0101reka is not a major fishing destination at this time of year, we know anglers will be disappointed at the prospect of restrictions at Lake Tarawera, which is a popular lake for both locals and visitors. Over the past two seasons, Lake Tarawera has produced exceptional fishing.\u201d<\/p>\n He said Fish & Game took biosecurity and the health of freshwater fisheries extremely seriously.<\/p>\n \u201cWe believe decisions that affect access for all lake users, including anglers, must be based on sound science and implemented in a way that is proportionate and effective.\u201d<\/p>\n Alaeinia said the response to the gold clams incursion sat with Biosecurity New Zealand, which already had a range of measures in place to manage its spread, including a Controlled Area Notice for both the lakes in the Te Arawa region and at the source for the Waikato.<\/p>\n \u201cWe support the measures and precautions put in place by Biosecurity New Zealand.\u201d<\/p>\n Te Arawa Lakes Trust chairman Wallace Haumaha said the unified community of Rotorua and iwi stand firm in its proactive decision to safeguard the lakes.<\/p>\n \u201cWe understand that new access controls ensuring boats are cleaned, checked, and dried represent a brief adjustment for some. However, this short-term pain is an essential investment for the long-term gain of our vibrant, healthy lake ecosystems.\u201d<\/p>\n Haumaha said they called on all lake users to join them in the collective effort.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are acting with foresight and responsibility, upholding our deep commitment to kaitiakitanga [guardianship]. To ignore this threat now would be to gamble with the ecological and economic future of our entire region.\u201d<\/p>\n Haumaha said everyone\u2019s patience and co-operation would ensure their children and grandchildren could enjoy the pristine beauty and recreational opportunities of the lakes for generations to come. <\/p>\n \u201cThis is not just a community decision, it\u2019s a generational commitment.\u201c<\/p>\n In 2023 Lake \u014ckataina<\/a> was closed and security was hired after the gold clam threat emerged, and earlier this year, a security gate<\/a> was installed. <\/p>\n Fish & Game New Zealand Eastern Region chief executive Arash Alaeinia. Photo \/ File<\/p>\n
Community stakeholders at a meeting over the gold clam lake threat. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n