Te Arawa Lakes Controlled Area Notice Amendment

Biosecurity New Zealand has amended the Te Arawa Lakes and Lake Ōkataina Controlled Area Notice to include an additional wash station at Whakatāne.

The Whakatāne Boat Wash at the Whakatāne Harbour Boat Ramp, 32 Muriwai Drive, Whakatāne is a designated wash station from 19 December.

The additional station will save travel time for those travelling from the Eastern Bay of Plenty to Lake Ōkataina and Te Arawa Lakes. There is also a designated wash station at The Wash Place, 338 Te Ngae Road, Rotorua.

Any craft that has been in the Waikato River in the past 30 days must be washed at a designated wash station and have proof of cleaning before entering any of the 14 Te Arawa lakes.

To enter Lake Ōkataina, all craft must be cleaned at a designated wash station and provide proof of cleaning to receive a PIN code that allows entry to the lake.

Find out more about Controlled Area Notices

It will take a team effort from everyone who uses our waterways to help stop the spread and protect our lakes and rivers from the invasive freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea.

This clam is a prolific breeder and can be easily spread by juveniles attaching to the surfaces of boats and water gear.

Find out more about how to stop the spread of freshwater pests.