Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board has endorsed an official plan to rehabilitate the Ōtara Lake and its waterways – all within one generation.
“We’ve invested $100,000 toward promoting the restoration of the area,” says Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair Fa’anānā Efeso Collins.
“This is underpinned by a long-term strategic action plan bringing together local and surrounding communities. To stop and reverse the damage to our lake and waterways we need to engage with many stakeholders from the surrounding area. This plan builds an organised community of passionate stakeholders, residents and mana whenua who can champion and drive this change."
“The Ōtara Lake and waterways were once safe for swimming, fishing, food gathering and boating, with established habitats of native species and a rich cultural history. With the support of locals, within one generation we can revive our lake and waterway system for everyday use and restore that sense of pride and connection.”
The plan has had oversight from a steering group including Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board member Stephen Grey, Howick Local Board member Garry Boles, Contact Energy, schools and local tertiary institutes, business associations and residents’ groups.
Read the local board plan (PDF 6.8MB).
