Restoring the Rotorua Lakes: The ultimate endurance challenge

The PCE has been monitoring initiatives to improve the water quality of the Rotorua Lakes since March 2003, when concerned Rotorua residents wrote to the Commissioner.

A more thorough look at the issues began in early 2005. This report contains the findings, and focuses on how well public authorities are managing the Lakes' restoration.

Based on its interviews and research, the PCE investigation team identified six key issues. The Commissioner believes that, of these, keeping up the momentum is the area where further work would be of most benefit.

Restoring the Lakes to full health will require a commitment over decades rather than years. With an extensive range of projects started over the last 2-3 years, the challenge now is to keep the programme going.