Lake Structure audits and inspections have begun this month across all lakes, this includes scheduled compliance monitoring and follow-up inspections. All structures which are due for inspection, will be inspected against the relevant consent to ensure that all conditions are being met. If any maintenance or re-construction has been undertaken since the last compliance inspection, these structures will be re-measured to ensure that they fit within the consented footprint and remain as described in the consent.
We will be out and about on most of the lakes and taking advantage of the opportunity to identify any un-consented structures. We will attempt to find someone responsible for these structures in the first instance, however, if an owner cannot be found – signage requesting contact will be affixed to the structure, and if contact is not made within 6 weeks, the structure will be removed from the lake.
For safety reasons owners must keep lake structures maintained to a safe standard and notify the Regional Council in writing (notify@boprc.govt.nz) prior to any maintenance taking place. Maintenance must not extend beyond the existing footprint (including height) and it must be replaced ‘like for like.’
Please note that no maintenance works should be undertaken on lake structures between 1st May and 24th December due to trout and native fish spawning and dabchick breeding, unless it is specifically permitted by your resource consent.
All notifications are sent through to the Te Arawa Lakes Trust for their information. If you undertake work without notifying Regional Council and we receive a complaint or notification that works are being undertaken, you will be charged for this time including any inspections on an actual and reasonable basis. Please let us know what work you are undertaking and when, in accordance with consent conditions. We really appreciate your cooperation!
For more information on lake structures and the replacement consent process please visit www.boprc.govt.nz/lakestructure