Te Ao Māori

Decision reached over public access to Lake Rotoiti

19:21 pm on 19 December 2012

Action by an iwi environment group in Rotorua has led to the district council making a decision in relation to public access to a ramp at Lake Rotoiti's Okawa Bay.

Earlier this month the Ngati Pikiao Environmental Society wrote to the council and Te Arawa Lakes Trust about a locked gate on the ramp, which gave the Bay of Plenty Trailer Yacht Squadron exclusive access.

The council agreed to meet last Friday with the iwi group and other interested parties including the yacht squadron.

Chief executive Peter Guerin says after a two hour discussion a decision was made to allow public access.

He says the meeting also suggested setting up a committee, which among things would consider how to ensure public safety on the lake due to the presence of speed boats.

Mr Guerin hopes to start talks about forming a committee before the end of the week.