April 15, 2013
Te Arawa considers lake fees
In the wake of Ngāti Tuwharetoa’s bid to get rent from Mighty River Power for the use of Lake Taupo for hydro storage, Te Arawa Lakes Trust is looking at how its lakes can bring it some income.
Chief Executive Roku Mihinui says the 2006 settlement giving Te Arawa ownership of the 13 lakebeds includes a provision that after 2016 it can review leases made by the Rotorua District Council and Environment Bay of Plenty.
He says that should include a payment recognising the tribe’s interest.
He says the current payment system is confusing, and the review should simplify the process.
Many users have been paying a fixed rate with no increase for inflation.
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