Lake Ngāroto to be celebrated
24 February 2016
World Wetlands Day will be combined with a celebration and official opening of the upgraded Lake Ngāroto track on Saturday (Feb 27).
Lake Ngāroto, north of Te Awamutu, is a natural wetland and home to native plants and animals. It is a popular place to visit and is already well used for activities including yachting, rowing, wind surfing, fishing, walking and picnicking. Early last year, Waipa District Council did some work to improve water quality and upgraded the 6km track surrounding the lake.
In its last 10-Year Plan, the Council signaled its intention to spend up to $1 million developing the lake over the next decade. Council staff, who will be at the lake on Saturday, are currently seeking further ideas from the community on how the lake and surrounding area could be developed.
Weather permitting, a guided round-the-lake walk will start at 1pm led by Keith Thompson. Thompson (also known as The Bogman) is a wetlands expert and lectured ecology for many years at the University of Waikato. He has led a number of guided wetland walks and attracts big crowds.
The walk will offer a commentary on the lake's plants and animals and will also touch on some of the issues facing the restoration of Lake Ngāroto. It is expected to take about an hour and a half.
The guided walk begins from the Bank Road entrance, next to the sailing club. The track will also be opened for cyclists who will be asked to ride in an anti-clockwise direction to minimise issues with other users.
The track will be formally blessed and opened by Deputy Mayor Grahame Webber earlier in the day.
Media enquiries, contact Nicole Nooyen 027 807 3478