# Rotorua Catchments _The Rotorua Lakes are a taonga (treasure) to the people of Te Arawa and those who live, work and play around the rohe._ Our work is focused on protecting and restoring the land and water. We do this by partnering with local iwi and hapū, landowners, community groups and individuals on environmental programmes and projects. [Video](https://youtu.be/xknZWi4PJ_Y?si=LcS5BF8F2PDhNGD8) ## Puna Ora Care Group  Restoring biodiversity and improving water quality couldn’t be done without our community. Volunteers undertake some of the most crucial work across our vibrant region. Every year thousands of people, roll up their sleeves and get to work helping protect our wai (water), whenua (land) and kararehe (animals). **[Get involved in a project near you.](https://www.boprc.govt.nz/living-in-the-bay/volunteer/volunteering-and-environmental-care-groups/ "Volunteering and Environmental Care Groups")** ## Funding, support and advice  Improving land management practices is key to ensuring the sustainability of good environmental, economic and social outcomes for all. But we know it can be hard to get started. That’s why we have a dedicated team of Land Management Officers to provide advice and support that suits you, your property and environmental goals best. The weed harvester cuts through dense mats of invasive weeds on Lake Rotoehu, removing excess nutrients, improving water quality, supporting native species and making the lake better for recreation. [Read the case study](https://www.boprc.govt.nz/your-council/news/news-and-media-releases/media-releases-2025/may-2025/mowing-the-lake-tackling-invasive-lake-weeds-in-lake-rotoehu/ "Mowing the lake: Tackling invasive lake weeds in Lake Rotoehu"). Toi Moana and Whakapoungakau Lands Trust are working together to implement a range of tools to help meet the nutrient reduction targets set for the property under the ‘Rotorua Rules’. [Read the case study](https://www.boprc.govt.nz/your-council/news/news-and-media-releases/media-releases-2025/june-2025/whakapoungakau-lands-trust-looking-after-the-land-the-lake-and-the-people/ "Whakapoungakau Lands Trust – looking after the land, the lake and the people"). The Waitawa Stream is being brought back to life by the hands of those who whakapapa to the land. The project is a partnership between mana whenua, Regional Council and Rotorua Lakes Council. Together, the goal is to restore the stream’s mauri and create a thriving habitat for birds, insects and aquatic life. [Read the case study](https://www.boprc.govt.nz/your-council/news/news-and-media-releases/media-releases-2025/july-2025/restoring-the-waitawa-stream/ "Restoring the Waitawa Stream"). Surrounding the edge of Lake Rotorua along Sulphur Point, and a stone’s throw from Rotorua’s CBD, the 77ha Sanatorium Reserve has undergone a remarkable transformation. The fourth-largest area of geothermal habitat of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand, the reserve is now a thriving ecological and geothermal sanctuary, thanks to years of dedicated restoration work. [Read the case study](https://www.boprc.govt.nz/your-council/news/news-and-media-releases/media-releases-2025/august-2025/the-transformation-of-sanatorium-reserve/ "The transformation of Sanatorium Reserve"). As a helicopter hovers near the steep, steaming cliffs of Waimangu Valley, a battle against invasive pampas grass is underway. Contracted by Bay of Plenty Regional Council, the helicopter is part of an aerial control operation targeting the pest plant, which at first glance can be mistaken for native Toe toe. [Read the case study.](https://www.boprc.govt.nz/your-council/news/news-and-media-releases/media-releases-2025/november-2025/geysers-versus-grass-protecting-waimangu-from-pampas/ "Geysers versus Grass – Protecting Waimangu from Pampas") For more than 20 years, the Lake Ōkāreka Landcare Group has led long term environmental restoration around the lake. Supported by Bay of Plenty Regional Council, DOC, Rotorua Lakes Council, Te Arawa Lakes Trust and residents, the group has restored wetlands, planted thousands of native trees, improved water quality and supported the return of threatened native species. Their mahi shows how sustained community action can create lasting environmental change. [Read the case study.](https://www.boprc.govt.nz/your-council/news/news-and-media-releases/media-releases-2026/april-2026/decades-of-care-at-lake-okareka/ "Decades of Care at Lake Okareka") ## Relevant links We’re working with landowners to help clean up Lake Rotorua for future generations. Our goal is to reduce the amount of nutrients entering the lake by 320 tonnes by 2032. Also known as corbicula, this freshwater pest was first discovered in the Waikato in 2023. We’re working hard to keep corbicula out of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes and there’s rules in place to stop it’s spread. To leave our waterways in a better state for the future, we must prevent excess nutrients from entering them by working as a community to improve the way we use our land. We are spoilt for choice with where to swim, surf or fish in the Bay of Plenty - but not all our waterways are safe to swim. Heavy rain, bacteria and animal waste can all affect the health of our water. Volunteers undertake some of the most crucial work across our vibrant region. Across the region we have more than 60 care groups who need your help to protect and restore our environment. Nutrients from farming can seep into the soil and make their way into our lakes, affecting water quality. To help manage this, farms have nutrient management plans in place. The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes are popular spots for events all year round – from waka ama to triathlons. Some of these events may require full or partial lake closures to keep everyone safe on the water. We’re working with Te Arawa Lakes Trust and Rotorua Lakes Council to protect and improve the health of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes for current and future generations. The Ōhau Diversion Wall was built with community support as a temporary solution to protect Lake Rotoiti by diverting nutrients from Lake Rotorua into the Kaituna River. The Ōkere Gates and Ōhau Weir help control water levels in Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotorua. It's operated by Bay of Plenty Regional Council under long term resource consents.