Horizons Regional Council is proud to be part of an Action Plan launched on Sunday August 3 outlining steps to restore Lake Horowhenua and its catchment.
The Plan comes one year after the signing of an Accord between the Lake Horowhenua Trust, Lake Horowhenua Domain Board, Horowhenua District Council, the Department of Conservation and Horizons that set a vision, objectives, key issues and management goals for the Lake.
Horizons Regional Councillor for Horowhenua and Environment Committee Chair Colleen Sheldon says the Action Plan marks a major milestone in the Lake’s management.
“Lake Horowhenua is a valuable asset for Horowhenua and the greater Horizons Region not only culturally but socially and economically as well,” she says.
“This Action Plan is a stake in the ground. It establishes how we will restore the Lake to a healthy state and provides information on how everyone can play their part.
“Accountability is vital to progress and I look forward to seeing the Lake reclaim its position as a source of community pride.”
Earlier in the year Central Government also signaled its support for the Lake’s restoration through the Ministry for the Environment’s Fresh Start for Freshwater Clean-up Fund.
$540,000 from that fund has been put towards the restoration of Lake Horowhenua, complementing $730,500 of funding from Horizons Regional Council, Horowhenua District Council and industry (DairyNZ and Tararua Growers Association).
Horizons is administering this funding under the auspices of the Lake Horowhenua Accord. The Accord partners have developed a two-year work programme comprised of eight projects selected for their capacity to improve suitability of the Lake for recreation, reduce sediment and nutrient inputs and improve native fish populations.
These projects contribute to the wider Accord Action Plan and one is already complete. A community boat wash was installed by Horowhenua District Council in July to help prevent the spread of aquatic weeds.
Chair of the Lake Horowhenua Accord and spokesperson for the Lake Trust Matt Sword says he is pleased to see real action and real progress finally being made.
“Many Muaūpoko that I talk to want to see positive steps taken to improve their sacred taonga,” Mr Sword says.
“I am pleased that we are delivering on our promise to do exactly that and I really look forward to the roll out of the Action Plan over the next two years. This is a really great start.”
More information about the Lake Horowhenua Accord, Action Plan and restoration including scientific reports is available via Horizons’ website www.horizons.govt.nz