Wading ban sought in Waitahanui

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 58, 23 July 1974, Page 1

Wading ban sought in Waitahanui

A ban on fishing in waders from just above Delatours Pool to within 20 metres of the mouth of the Waitahanui River is proposed. The move is one of several prohibitions framed by the Internal Affairs Department.

The regulations are to go before Parliament for ineorporation into the Fisheries Act. Internal Affairs hopes they will become law by - October. The moves were announced — and gained unanimous support — at the Lake Taupo Federation of Angling, Shooting and Fishing Clubs' conference with Internal Affairs officers on Saturday.

The conservator of wildlife at Rotorua, Mr P. J. Burstall, told the conference there had been numerous approaches from clubs over the past 10 years to impose restrictions on the Waitahanui. The stretch from Delatours to the mouth was "one of the most intensified trout fishing areas in New Zealand." So much pressure had been applied to the stretch that the fish-take had dropped. "Incidentally, what we proposed now was in effect in 1924," said Mr Burstall. The exact up-river limit of the wading ban is 90 metres from the State Highway No.l bridge. Open water will begin just below stump bend. Other amendments sought to the Aet are: — • No fishing in the Poutu aqueduct. • No fishing in the tailrace within 90 metres of the powerhouse. • No transfer of licence. • Occupations to be given on charges when breaching fishing regulations. • A statutory obligation to repair damaged spawning beds. • An increase in the maximum penalty from $100 to $300. • Enforcement of the 5person limit on swing bridges over the Tongariro River.