Ngā Roto Moana
Lakes
Lake Fact Sheet
Lake List
The Te Arawa Lakes are:
- Lake Ngāhewa
- Lake Ngāpouri (or Opouri)
- Lake Okareka
- Lake Okaro (or Ngakaro)
- Lake Okataina(Te Moana-i-kataina-a-Te-Rangikaroro)
- Lake Rerewhakaaitu
- Lake Rotoiti(Te Roto-kite-a-Ihenga-i-Ariki-ai-a-Kahumatamomoe)
- Lake Rotoehu
- Lake Rotomā
- Lake Rotomahana
- Lake Rotorua(Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe)
- Lake Tarawera
- Lake Tikitapu
- Lake Tutaeinanga
Three of the Te Arawa lakes — Ngāpouri / Opouri, Tutaeinanga and Ngāhewa are located in the Waikato Region. The remaining 11 lakes are located within the Bay of Plenty Region.
Info Sheets
In order to develop a work plan for our lakes, we need to understand the overall health of our lakes, projects, research and monitoring being undertaken, as well as the management plans associated with each lake.
As a result, we have developed the Te Arawa Lakes Info Sheets, which includes the following information about each of our lakes:
- The status of water quality for each lake i.e. is it healthy? Can I swim there?
- The projects, research and monitoring occurring on the lakes.
- The outcomes of the lake research and monitoring.
- The role of the Trust, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Rotorua Lakes Council with the lakes.
You can find a link to these sheets below under the corresponding lake. Other reports and assessments can also be found below.
For the latest health warnings and notices of events/closures, visit the Te Arawa Lakes Programme website.
Ngāhewa
Ngāpōuri (Opōuri)
Ōkāreka
Ōkataina
Tarawera
Tikitapu
Tutaeinanga
Rerewhakaaitu
Rotoehu
Rotoiti
Rotomā
Rotomahana
Rotorua
Ōkaro
Tuhinga
Documentation
Te Tūāpapa o Ngā Wai o
Te Arawa
Te Arawa Cultural Values Framework
Toitū te Wai, Toitū te Whenua,
Toitū Te Arawa!
Te Arawa Lakes Trust has developed Te Tūāpapa o Ngā Wai o Te Arawa / Te Arawa Cultural Values Framework.
It is a values-based Policy Statement that articulates our values in relation to the long term aspirations for the Te Arawa Lakes.
How has it been developed?
This Framework was developed through engagement with Te Arawa hapū and iwi in February to April 2015.
Why has it been developed?
We need to ensure that the Te Arawa Lakes are managed through our values. For this to be achieved, we have collated your feedback and articulated what is meant by Te Arawa values, in a form that is easy to understand and apply.
This Framework will:
- Ensure that the Te Arawa Lakes are managed and restored with a ‘cultural lens’, alongside science and technology.
- Effect positive change – environmentally, socially, culturally and economically
- Improve awareness and knowledge about the traditional relationship of Te Arawa with the Lakes.
- Show leadership for intergenerational benefit
What are our guiding Te Arawa values?
Our guiding Te Arawa values (Te Whakapapa o te Wai) are: Wai, Waiariki, Waiora, Wairua and Waiata.
What are our Guiding Principles?
This Framework identifies two Guiding Principles to provide a ‘bridge’ between the conceptual components of Te Whakapapa o Te Wai and the tangible actions. These Principles enable the Lakes (and surrounding land and waterways) to be seen, valued and managed through a Cultural Lens.
- Guiding Principle 1 – Value the role that the Te Arawa Lakes Trust and Te Arawa have to play regarding the Te Arawa Lakes
- Guiding Principle 2 – Value Te Ao Māori
Ngā Ohia
Consents
Pānui:
The ownership of the beds of 14 Te Arawa Lakes has been vested in Te Arawa Lakes Trust.
These lakes are:
Rotorua | Rotoiti | Rotoehu | Rotomā | Ōkataina | Tikitapu | Ōkareka | Tarawera | Rotomahana | Rerewhakaaitu | Ngāhewa | Ngāpouri | Tutaeinanga | Ōkaro
If you are planning to run a commercial operation, build a jetty or film an area on a Te Arawa lake you must first seek the permission of Te Arawa Lakes Trust.
Te Papa Ahurewa will be processing requests for permission to undertake any of these activities. Please visit https://tepapaahurewa.nz/consents/ for further information.
Once a permission is granted, you will need to apply for a lease to occupy Te Arawa lakebeds.
Te Arawa Management Limited (TAML) was established by Te Arawa Lakes Trust, and in 2018 was made responsible for administering the assets of Te Arawa Lakes Trust including the lakebeds of the above named lakes.
TAML is therefore responsible to licence:
(i) new residential, commercial and Crown owned structures;
(ii) the modification of existing residential, commercial and Crown owned structures and
(iii) commercial activities and events.
Structures
Whether you are planning to build a new or modify an existing lake structure on a lakebed or within 25m of a lake you are required to seek permission from Te Arawa Lakes Trust (TALT) as lakebed owner. This should be sought BEFORE an application for a Resource Consent is made.
As part of the application process you will be asked how you have considered the cultural values of our lakes ie how your proposal impacts or enhances these. Te Arawa Lakes Trust recommends that prior to submitting your application you review our cultural values framework Te Tūāpapa o Ngā Wai o Te Arawa as well as the iwi and hapū management plans associated to the lake.
Residents
For residents who are considering to modify an existing or build a new structure please complete the Residential Application Lease Form
Commercial
If you are a commercial operator and planning to run a commercial activity from the lake structure please complete the Commercial Application Lease Form.
Fees & Approval
Once we have received payment of the application fee you will be contacted within 10 business days with a decision or request to provide further information.
If approval is granted you will be issued with a decision letter and be contacted by Te Arawa Management Limited to confirm lease arrangements.
Activities & Events
Pānui:
Freshwater gold clams are an exotic aquatic pest and were first found in the Waikato River near Lake Karāpiro in early May 2023. They reproduce rapidly, threaten native species and clog water-based infrastructure. The freshwater gold clams have not been found in Te Arawa lakes yet and we need to keep it that way. Once introduced they are difficult to control, and eradication has never been achieved.
The freshwater gold clam has now been given the legal status of an Unwanted Organism under the Biosecurity Act. This means that people must not knowingly move or spread the freshwater gold clam or water that may contain it. To do so would be an offence under the Biosecurity Act 1993.
Te Arawa Lakes Trusts Response
As kaitiaki and lakebed owners, Te Arawa Lakes Trust is working closely with The Ministry for Primary Industries, Biosecurity New Zealand, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Mana Whenua to prevent the invasive freshwater clam from entering our lakes. As events on our lakes bring people from all over the country as well as boats, water vessels and other water equipment they significantly increase the risk of freshwater gold clams establishing themselves here. Therefore, events do not meet the objectives and policies outlined in He Mahere Taiao mō Ngā Wai o Te Arawa – Te Arawa Lakes Environmental Plan at this time. We will not be accepting any event applications on the lakes until such a time an alternative action plan is put in place.
Activities & Events
If you plan to stage an event on a Te Arawa Lake you must first seek permission from Te Arawa Lakes Trust (TALT) as lakebed owner. This should be sought BEFORE an application to Bay of Plenty Regional Council is made.
As part of the application process you will be asked how you have considered the cultural values of our lakes ie how your activity or event impacts or enhances these values. Te Arawa Lakes Trust recommends that prior to your lodging of the application that you peruse our cultural value framework Te Tuapapa o Nga Wai o Te Arawa as well as iwi and hapū management plans associated to the lake on which you are applying to hold your event.
Application
An application will need to be submitted to Te Arawa Lakes Trust at least 12 weeks prior to the proposed event date.
Fees & Approval
Once we have received payment of the application fee you will be contacted within 10 business days with a decision or request to provide further information.
If approval is granted you will be issued with a decision letter and be contacted by Te Arawa Management Limited to confirm lease arrangements.
Film & Photography
Permission from Te Arawa Lakes Trust is required if you plan to undertake any filming on a Te Arawa Lake. This includes the use of UAV / drones.
As part of the application process you will be asked how you have considered the cultural values of our lakes and how your activity impacts or enhances these values. This includes the capturing and use of images that may cause offence and avoiding sites of importance to Te Arawa iwi and hapū. The proper use of Te Arawa history and stories is also paramount.
Te Arawa Lakes Trust recommends that prior to your lodging of the application that you peruse our cultural value framework Te Tuapapa o Nga Wai o Te Arawa as well as iwi and hapū management plans associated to the lake on which you are applying to hold your event.
Application
An application will need to be submitted to Te Arawa Lakes Trust at least 6 weeks prior to the proposed date of filming.
Fees & Approval
Once we have received payment of the application fee you will be contacted within 10 business days with a decision or request to provide further information.
Te Puka Whakamana o Te Arawa
Permits
New restrictions are now in place to help protect our taonga ika, native fish species.
Under the bylaws people can still gather taonga species, but you need to get a pukawhaka mana (permit) from Te Arawa Poutiriao (permit issuers). Enquire more about the process and apply here email [email protected].
Each of the individual nga taonga ika species has different restrictions relation to the size, catch numbers and methods which can be used. More details about the Bylaw size and limits can be found here.
What lakes are included in the Bylaw?
The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes (Rotoehu, Rotomā, Rotorua, Ōkataina, Rotoiti, Ōkareka, Rerewhakaaitu, Tarawera, Rotomahana, Tikitapu, Ngāhewa, Tutaeīnanga, Ngāpouri and Ōkaro) are now covered by the Te Arawa Lakes (fisheries) Bylaw 2020.
Note: Lake Rotokākahi, the Ohau Channel and the streams that connect to the lakes are not covered by the bylaw.
What lakes are covered by the Bylaws?
The Te Arawa Lakes that are covered by the Te Arawa Lakes (Fisheries) Bylaws 2020 Rotoehu, Rotomā, Rotorua, Ōkataina, Rotoiti, Ōkareka, Rerewhakaaitu, Tarawera, Rotomahana, Tikitapu, Ngāhewa, Tutaeīnanga, Ngāpouri and Ōkaro.
Note: Rotokākahi, the Ohau Channel and the streams that connect to the above lakes are not covered by the Bylaws.
Why have these Bylaws been put in place?
The Bylaws have been designed to protect the relevant taonga ika by making sure they are not overfished, they are not taken when they are carrying eggs, and by collecting information about fishing activity across the relevant lakes.
What species are covered by the Bylaws?
These Bylaws only apply to the six named taonga ika: kōaro, kōura, īnanga tuna, morihana and kākahi. Other taonga ika, and non-taonga ika such as trout, are not affected by the Bylaws.
How do the Bylaws interact with existing fishing regulations?
Within the relevant lakes, for the six taonga ika covered, the Bylaws prevail over the Fisheries (Amateur Fishing) Regulations 2013 and Freshwater Fisheries Regulations 1971.
Why do the Bylaws say you can only catch the taonga ika in certain ways?
Some kinds of fishing practices (for example, drift nets) catch large numbers of fish in a way that is unsustainable. The methods for catching taonga ika that are specified in the Bylaws are all traditional practices that suit a sustainable and responsible fishery. By limiting fishing to traditional techniques we recognise the wisdom of traditional tikanga and hope to restore knowledge of these techniques among younger generations.
Why is use of SCUBA gear to dive for taonga ika banned?
Diving with artificial respiration is not a traditional practice and it allows people to gather far more fish (and more easily) than they would be able to otherwise. In the interests of protecting our taonga ika and giving them the opportunity to flourish, use of SCUBA gear to dive for taonga ika has been prohibited under the Bylaws.
Who gets to be a Poutiriao?
Te Arawa iwi and hapū members who wish to train as Te Arawa Poutiriao can contact the Te Arawa Lakes Trust. The Trust (alongside the Ministry for Primary Industries) will be providing training opportunities in compliance and other relevant areas. The Trustees of the Te Arawa Lakes Trust may then nominate persons for appointment after consulting with, and taking into account, the wider views of iwi and hapū of Te Arawa on those nominations. The Minister of Fisheries will confirm any appointment by public notice.
Do I need to be Te Arawa to get a puka whakamana?
Anyone can contact a Te Arawa Poutiriao to seek a puka whakamana. It is custom for Te Arawa to provide manaaki to all of those in our rohe (area). At times a puka whakamana may not be issued if the Poutiriao considers the fishery is not sustainable or that the take would not be in line with Te Arawa tikanga. We are doing this to balance our customary rights to collect taonga ika, including manaaki, with the need to protect these species for future generations.
I am Te Arawa and I whakapapa to these lakes. Why should I need a puka whakamana?
The Te Arawa Lakes Trust takes its role as kaitiaki of the lakes very seriously. Our people have customary rights to collect taonga ika from our lakes, but the use of puka whakamana means we can support sustainable use of our taonga ika and gather important information for a better overview of the fishery. By doing this we can protect our lakes from overfishing or other damage for our current and future generations.
Who decided on these rules and what consultation was held?
We developed the Bylaws as part of our Mahire Whakahaere (Fisheries Management Plan), alongside the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Department of Conservation and Fish and Game. This was subject to extensive consultation with our own hapū, as well as a public submission process in 2018. We are proud to have our first set of Bylaws under our Te Arawa Lakes settlement.
Who can issue a puka whakamana?
Poutiriao can issue puka whakamana (authorisations).
How do I get a puka whakamana?
Email [email protected] or contact Te Arawa Lakes Trust at 1194 Haupapa St Rotorua 3010 PO Box 128. Call Freephone 0508 Te Arawa. Our opening hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Do I need to pay for a puka whakamana?
No.
Do I need to report my catch?
Yes. Part of the agreement you sign up to in getting a puka whakamana is that you need to report back to the Poutiriao who issued it. You need to tell them what taonga ika you caught and how many, what lake you got the taonga ika from and what they were, or to be, used for.
What will the information from reports be used for?
We will use the information to get a broader and more in-depth picture of the state of our fishery in our lakes. This will be important information for us and other organisations we work with (such as the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Department of Conservation, Fish and Game and local councils) when we make future decisions on how to protect our taonga ika in our lakes.
Can I get a puka whakamana ahead of time?
Yes. A request must be made at least 48 hours ahead of when you want to gather taonga ika, unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as a tangihanga, that justify a shorter period. You must obtain a puka whakamana before you gather taonga ika, as one will not be issued retrospectively (after the gathering has occurred).
How long does a puka whakamana last for?
48 hours from the commencement of the puka whakamana.
Do I need to have the puka whakamana with me at all times?
Yes. You need to keep your puka whakamana with you so that you can show it to a fisheries officer on demand. If your puka whakamana was issued orally, you will need to have a note of the puka whakamana number. A fisheries officer can then follow up with the Poutiriao who issued the permit.
What process do I have to follow now if I want to gather taonga species?
You need to get a puka whakamana and abide by the restrictions in the Bylaws. These include limits on the size and number of taonga ika caught, restrictions on fishing methods, a ban on SCUBA diving for taonga ika, and no fishing for kōaro.
After you have been fishing you need to report back in writing to [email protected], or orally, to the Poutiriao who issued your permit. You need to tell them what taonga ika you caught and how many, what lake you got the taonga ika from and what they were, or to be, used for.
Can I gather more fish that usual if I am preparing to host an important gathering, such as a tangihanga?
The Bylaws allow people with a puka whakamana to apply to gather larger numbers of some taonga ika if they are hosting a significant event.
However, the decision about how much of any taonga ika can be taken is for the Poutiriao to determine, based on their knowledge of the fishery and in accordance with the Mahere Whakahaere (fisheries management plan) which can be found here. The limits for different species can be found here.
It is essential that you report back your catch to the Poutiriao so they have the most up to date information on the numbers of taonga ika taken from the lakes.
Will the limits for the number of fish/size of catch be the same every time I go fishing?
Not necessarily. The Bylaws state the upper limit of fish that can be caught, but anyone wishing to take taonga ika can only take the amount determined by the Poutiriao. This may be different to the limit suggested if the fishery is under pressure.
Why is there a ban on kōaro fishing?
In the relevant lakes, the stocking of trout, and later smelt, has seen kōaro stocks decline to near extinction. The only way to protect the species is to put a total ban on gathering kōaro.
What if I break the rules by accident?
If you accidentally catch kōaro, kōura that are moulting or carrying eggs or hatchlings, or undersized fish, you need to put them straight back into the water.
If you breach the restrictions or any other element of the Bylaws, you could be fined.
What is the penalty for breaching the Bylaws?
If you are caught in breach of the Bylaws (for example, fishing without a puka whakamana or fishing in breach of your puka whakamana or the Bylaws) you could be fined up to a maximum of $10,000 for the first offence, or up to a maximum of $20,000 for a second or subsequent offence.
Who will enforce the Bylaws?
Fishery Officers and Honorary Fishery Officers will have the authority to speak to anyone taking taonga ika from the relevant lakes, check their puka whakamana and take a prosecution.
Why haven’t I heard about these rules before?
Te Arawa Lakes (Fisheries) Bylaws 2020 came into effect on 20 March 2020. People gathering fish for customary purposes didn’t need a puka whakamana before that time. But Te Arawa Lakes Trust has been working on putting the Bylaws in place for more than a decade in order to protect our native fisheries.
What can I do if I see someone flouting the rules?
Take note of any relevant details (e.g. location, time, type of taonga ika, vehicle registration) and contact the Ministry for Primary Industries 0800 4 POACHER hotline (0800 4 476 224). If you have any concerns for the safety and security of people or property, call the police.
Programmes
Te Arawa Catfish Killas
Catfish Population Control
Our catfish eradication programme was established in 2016 to increase awareness about the threat that catfish pose on the environment, to stop the spread of catfish, and eventually eliminate them in Te Arawa lakes.
The kaupapa is an initiative between the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Te Arawa Lakes Trust and is coordinated by Te Arawa with a group, dubbed the ‘Catfish Killas’. The group consists of iwi members and other volunteers who are dedicated to restoring and protecting the 14 lakes.
Our coordinator, William Anaru teaches volunteers how to lay nets, catch pest fish and educates kohanga reo, kura kaupapa, primary, intermediate and secondary schools as well as hapū and the public on how to stop the spread and growth of catfish in our lakes and waterways.
Since its establishment, the programme has been hugely successful in creating awareness and mobilising an army of 1,500 volunteers who have culled 180,000 catfish from our lakes. The Te Arawa Catfish Killas group has also been successful in various taiao awards including;
- New Zealand Biosecurity DOC Community Pihinga Award
- New Zealand Biosecurity Supreme Award
- Society of Local Government Managers (SOLGM) Te Puni Kōkiri Award for Bicultural Leadership
- McGredy Winder 2019 SOLGM Local Government Excellence Awards® Supreme Award
We know that catfish are devastating our kōura populations and we also know that catfish eradication is not feasible with the current tools available. For this reason, we are working with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and NIWA on a research project to assess whether biocontrol, using sterile male catfish, would be an effective tool for Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotorua. You can read more about the biocontrol programme here.
Make sure you follow their mahi on Facebook.
Hunga Tiaki Taiao
Wetland Team
In 2020, Te Arawa Lakes Trust received $2.5 million in funding to support the creation of new jobs post COVID-19 – while also enabling and accelerating environmental projects that deliver wider economic, social and cultural benefits. The funding is part of the Government’s $1.3 billion Jobs for Nature programme.
Through the funding, Te Arawa Lakes Trust has established the Hunga Tiaki Taiao (Wetland Team) who lead various kaupapa educating and upskilling participants in the environment sector.
We have also created an innovative and ambitious proposal – Mauri Tu Mauri Ora Te Arawa – that was developed during the Level 4 lockdown to generate new job opportunities by advancing environmental projects.
Starting with a wetlands restoration pilot project in collaboration with hapū, iwi and landowners, we have created eight jobs in the first phase.
The premise behind Mauri tū, Mauri ora Te Arawa is founded on the core principles of collaboration and partnership in order to achieve far reaching outcomes.
Alongside the wetlands restoration kaupapa is the Taiao Training programme that aims to educate and upskill participants to meet the growing workforce demands in the environment sector, ultimately creating more kaitiaki for the rohe.
These kaupapa will not only upskill and engage our whānau as Hunga Tiaki and forge stronger connections with our environment, they will also replenish the mauri of our wai, our whenua and our whakapapa.
Senitel A Nuku tauira
Training Programme
Launched in July 2020, the Sentinel A Nuku programme was developed by the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai and has its genesis in the successful Ngā Whenua Rāhui programme.
This programme supports Māori landowners to restore, protect and preserve the indigenous biodiversity of their whenua, as well as preserve traditional knowledge and heritage. It aims to prepare the next generation of environmental and conservation managers and technical experts.
You can read more about the programme here.
Te Papa Ahurewa
Te Arawa Environmental Advocacy
Te Papa Ahurewa is a taiao hub established to provide independent advice to Te Arawa whānau, hapū, and iwi and responds to a clear call from within Te Arawa for technical assistance on resource management processes.
The overarching purpose of Te Papa Ahurewa is to ensure Te Arawa values and aspirations are driving environmental reform, policy, planning and resource consenting within the Te Arawa rohe. The taiao hub is available to any Te Arawa whānau, hapū or iwi who request Te Papa Ahurewa assistance on resource management processes.
Whilst the team are available to assist in a technical capacity, Te Papa Ahurewa is not designed to make decisions on behalf of whānau, hapū, or iwi. The mana of each whānau, hapū and iwi rests with those rōpū and external agencies, such as local and regional council, have an obligation to engage directly with whānau, hapū and iwi as Treaty partners.
Based at Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Te Papa Ahurewa is a team of highly qualified technicians with kaupapa Māori and resource management skills.
For more information on Te Papa Ahurewa and to inquire as to how Te Papa Ahurewa could support your Te Arawa whānau, hapū or iwi, please head to tepapaahurewa.nz.
Projects
In its initial stages, Te Papa Ahurewa will be focused on engagement with Te Arawa whānau, hapū and iwi on the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 as well as analysing Te Arawa capacity and capability to engage in resource management processes. For more information on these projects, please head to tepapaahurewa.nz/projects.
Acknoledgements
Te Papa Ahurewa acknowledges the Bay of Plenty Regional Council for the funding and support they have provided Te Papa Ahurewa to assist with its establishment.
Te Papa Ahurewa also acknowledges Te Arawa Lakes Trust for bringing Te Papa Ahurewa to life through its vision to strengthen Te Arawa environmental advocacy.
Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi
Te Ara Ki Kōpū
Te Arawa Climate Strategy
Te Ara Ki Kopu
Te Arawa, ahu Hawaiki!
Past, present and future generations of Te Arawa – secure and well
Launched on 1 October 2021, Te Ara ki Kōpū: Te Arawa Climate Change Strategy is the result of a two-year research collaboration between Te Urunga o Kea: Te Arawa Climate Change Working Group, Te Arawa Lakes Trust and Scion.
It provides a pathway for whānau, hapū and iwi to work proactively – empowering our way of knowing and seeking new ways of living – to ensure our tribe’s collective survival.
It highlights six focus areas identified by whānau and hapū as needing priority action over the next ten years.
The next steps for whānau, hapū, marae and iwi entities are to:
- Develop action plans
- Gather robust information to guide decision-making
- Build understanding of ways to adapt
- Empower on-the-ground action
- Build effective relationships
- Aim to lead the way locally, nationally, and globally in relation to climate change
Realising our climate change ambitions requires a collective effort from everyone within the Te Arawa rohe.
Te Kete Rokiroki: Artist Jamie Huia Rolleston (Ngati Whakaue, 2021)