July 21, 2015
Taupo clean up earns place in river prize
A partnership between Ngati Tuwharetoa and local and central government to reduce pollution in Lake Taupo has made the finals of the first Morgan Foundation New Zealand Riverprize.
The winner, to be announced in September, who then go into the field for the prestigious Thiess International Riverprize.
Waikato Regional Council chair Paula Southgate says the Protecting Lake Taupo Project started in 2000 because of concern that water quality was declining because of nutrient flows from rural intensification and urban development.
It promoted and assisted with changes to land use in the catchment, capped nitrogen discharges and established a trading regime so rights to discharge nitrogen go to the highest value use.
It has succeeded in its target of securing of a permanent 170 tonnes a year reduction in nitrogen entering the lake.
Ms Southgate says the project successfully generated political support, engaged numerous sector interests and established policies to protect the lake and retain a vibrant rural community, while incorporating the role of the Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board as owners of Lake Taupo.
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