Planning for tomorrow's Ngaroto
15 January 2016
Planning for the future of Lake Ngāroto is about to begin, but first Waipa District Council need to know what you would like to see at the lake.
Located just north of Te Awamutu, Lake Ngāroto is a natural wetland, home to a range of native plants and animals. The lake and surrounding area hold cultural and historic significance to local Iwi and the wider Waipa Community as well as being a recreational asset to the district.
Council is asking everyone to give their feedback on how they would like to see the lake used and developed.
Community Facilities Manager, Tony Roxburgh said all ideas should consider how they will affect both the use and history of the lake.
We have some issues we need to address like water quality and pests, lake shore erosion, car parking and visitor management but we're also looking for ideas that consider tourism, recreation, heritage and the cultural characteristics of the area.
Ideas can be shared by:
Coming along to Lake Ngāroto for an ideas sharing session, 26 January at 5pm
Filling out a quick survey at www.waipadc.govt.nz/lakengaroto
Writing to Waipa District Council, Private Bag 2404, Te Awamutu 3840 Attn: Lake Ngāroto
This is a great opportunity for the community to come and chat with us, look at what we've been doing and suggest new ideas that showcase the past, present and future of the lake.
We want to develop the area into a must-visit Waipa attraction that tells the unique story of Lake Ngāroto.
The lake is eagerly used for a range of activities, including yachting, rowing, wind surfing, fishing, walking and picnicking. Signage at the lake offers visitors information on the wildlife and history of the area.
Mr Roxburgh said the plan review was coming at a perfect time with use of the lake increasing.
It is expected that the reserve will see more than 100,000 visits annually - and with the growing number of visitors to our district it could be even more."
All feedback must be received by 1 March 2016. Council will review all ideas before presenting options to the community later this year.
Work was completed early last year to improve the quality of the water and to build the boardwalk that now surrounds Lake Ngāroto. In addition to this work, Council signalled a potential spend of up to $1 million over the 2015-25 10-year period for development work at Lake Ngāroto.