Will BoPRC Expedite Fix of Ohau Wall?

7 August 2025

The Rotorua Daily Post reports that at its meeting on 7 August 25 Bay of Plenty Regional Council said it will accelerate trials to identify possible fixes for the deteriorating Ōhau Channel diversion wall.

Former Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters admitted partial responsibility for the situation and pledged to help find a lasting solution at a meeting today.

Concerned community boards remain sceptical, however, and warned legal action remains an option.

Last month, local groups issued a letter of demand to the regional council, with Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell backing urgent calls for a long-term solution.

The council recommends a “dynamic adaptation pathway planning” solution. That proposal would involve the council monitoring and investigating the wall unless diverted to other solutions by further information.This pathway was eventually approved at the meeting, but concerns around its timeline and Lake Rotoiti’s degrading quality resulted in two amendments: that all investigations and trialling options be expedited and options for improving Lake Rotoiti water quality be hastened. This would include trialling work, particularly involving the king piles, described as the most critical structural component.

As for the expediting of the repair investigations, John Gifford, chair of the Lakes Water Quality Society remains unconvinced.

“The proof will be in the delivery,” said Gifford.

“I think even though there was some indication of urgency, it is hard to see how that is going to roll out practically.”

For more information you can read the full Rotorua Daily Post article here and view the recorded BoPRC Council Meeting here.

If you have any follow up questions or feedback, please contact us at: lrca@rotoiti.co.nz

Support our campaign to save Rotoiti at our web page "FIXOHAUWALL".