9. STEVE CHADWICK (Labour—Rotorua) Link to this
to the Minister for the Environment
What is the Government doing to assist with the protection of Lake Taupō’s water quality?
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE (Minister for the Environment) Link to this
I am sure all members will be only too aware of the iconic nature of Lake Taupō and the great significance of that lake to New Zealanders and to international visitors. I am pleased to inform the House that the Labour-led Government has committed $36.7 million towards the $81.5 million fund to protect the lake’s water quality. We have also approved the Lake Taupō Protection Trust as the administrator of that fund.
Why has the Government committed substantial funding to the protection of Lake Taupō’s water quality?
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE Link to this
Water is clearly one of our most valued natural assets and at the heart of environmental sustainability. This philosophy is clearly expressed in the Government’s Sustainable Water Programme of Action. We are committing the $36.7 million towards protecting the water quality in Lake Taupō in order to reverse the increased concentrations of nitrogen leaching into it from the surrounding land, resulting in increased algal growth and decreased water clarity. We expect the project to achieve a 20 percent reduction in the nitrogen entering the lake over the next 15 years.
R Doug Woolerton