LRCA & LWQS Ōhau Wall Campaign Update
September 10, 2026
LRCA Seeks Fair Rating Treatment From RLC
September 30, 2026
26 September 2026
Progress Developing Protection from Golden Clams for our Lakes
Lake Okareka is developing a system targeted for operation by 26 December 2026, with further testing and development continuing into 2027.
The proposed Rotorua Lakes Boat Biosecurity & Access Control System is designed to prevent invasive pests such as gold clam, hornwort and catfish being spread between waterways by boats, trailers and equipment.
It is being trialled at Lake Okareka, with the intention of extending it to Lake Rotoiti and other Rotorua lakes. Boats and trailers would have electronic e-seals, while controlled ramps would use automatic gates, cameras and number-plate recognition.
If a boat's movements can be verified, access would be automatic; if its history is unknown or it has visited an unmonitored waterway, it would be required to undergo decontamination. Hot-water treatment at approximately 50–60°C would be used to kill pests, with facilities planned at major and individual lake sites.
The access-control system is estimated to cost about $170,000 per site, with initial funding from a Bay of Plenty Regional Council grant, while a longer-term model could share costs between central government, councils and users. The overall objective is to create a traceable, consistent biosecurity network that makes boating easier for compliant users while preventing the spread of aquatic pests between lakes.
Links to the presentations to the Lakes Community Board's September 26 meeting follow.
Summary of the presentation by Neil Oppatt of Lake Okeraka Community Association.
Lake Okeraka Biosecurity Management System - Trial Working Model Design Plan.