BoPRC Lake Level Control Concerns LRCA
April 19, 2026
LWQS AGM & Ohau Wall Open Meeting
April 19, 2026
19 April 2026
Mitch Collins new Lakes Community Board Chair
The Rotorua Lakes Community Board elected two further members, Mitch Collins (Ōkareka) who also becomes Chair and George Gilmore (Tarawera). Unfortunately the three Rotoiti aspirants were unsuccessful. LRCA will of course continue to participate in the affairs of the Board.
Mitch has a proactive plan for the board which should be good for the lake communities.
“I want to clearly outline my vision for the remainder of this term,” Collins said.
“We need to pivot to strategic advocacy, sustainability, and long-term resilience for our lakes.”
His “immediate goal” was to establish “robust reporting lines” to the council and work on devolving funding and projects directly to lake communities.
“Ultimately, I propose we audit the board’s effectiveness now, with a view towards the next council representation review,” he said.
“If we empower our local community associations directly, they can advocate for themselves far more effectively.”
He wants to ensure the Lakes community has its “voice heard” on all projects affecting them.
“In the past, we’ve just been steamrolled, and things have happened in our backyard that we just haven’t known about or haven’t talked about,” he said.
“I want to keep the greatest lake district in the country pristine for generations to come.”
You can read more about the elected candidates HERE.