Harbour mouth hazardous, says conference delegate

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 58, 23 July 1974, Page 14

Harbour mouth hazardous, says conference delegate

The low level of Lake Taupo has created a "hazardous situatiOn" at the entrance to the boat harbour, claims the Lake Taupo Yacht Club. There was only 4.5 feet of water at the entrance, delegates to the Federation of Angling, Shooting and Boating Clubs' conference were told on Saturday. Mr N. C. Wilson, representing the yacht club, said the boat harbour was one of the few places where boats could safely shelter in any weather.

But the low level made the approach to the harbour unsafe in a strong southerly. He asked if anything could be done to deepen the chanriel. The Member of Taupo, Mr Jack Ridley, asked the delegates to supply exact figures on the optimum minimum level required. He believed the last six inches were the problem. "The Minister of Electricity has indicated to me that he would like to know of any specific minimum level increases you seek," said Mr Ridley. Motuoapa delegates said

their marina needed at least another two feet of water — or a channel dug. Mr Ridley said he felt it would be more appropriate for the Internal Affairs administered Lake Taupo Liaison Committee to look into the matter of a channel. The conference was discussing two remits urging Internal Affairs and the Electricity Department to declare and enforce minimum and maximum control levels for the lake. One of the remits also called for a watch committee to supervise the levels.

Mr R. Lockett, of Motuoapa, said it was "oneeyed" of the NZED to have "all its eggs in one basket" regards power storage. In the event of Lake Taupo being damaged through natural disaster or war, much of New Zealand would be immobilised. The low level of the lake had also affected natural feeding grounds — which had dried up anI were in some cases sprouting grass. "We are fed propaganda which says we must look after the environment," said Mr Lockett. "But in the western bays there is erosion — and the only way to hold it is with a maximum-minimum lake level." Mr Ridley said no more water could be taken from tlle lake than permitted by its natural limits. He felt the problem had been accentuated because the level had remained low for a long period.