Formation of Lakes and Waterways Action Group
Lakes and Waterways Action Group Trust (LWAG) is a community-based advocacy group focused on water quality, environmental and sustainability issues.
Some History
LWAG formed as a result of Taupō District Council’s 1997 Ten Year Strategic Plan Process which in turn reflected community concerns for Lake Taupō Water Quality.
Since then, LWAG has sought the enhancement of water quality in the Lake Taupō catchment area including being instrumental in the establishment of the Lake Taupō Protection Project.
Nitrogen capping in the Lake Taupō catchment is included in this unique project. Therefore, resource consents required for farming to ensure that total nitrogen discharge from farm land in the Lake Taupō catchment does not increase. Targeted urban wastewater reductions towards the removal of 20% of nitrogen from the catchment are also part of the policy.
From the start, LWAG was not a regular environmental lobby group. A major aim of LWAG is to unite the people behind the protection of Lake Taupō and our membership includes townies and farmers. Foremost, LWAG has been a community forum around the Project and wider issues.
Our meetings, at monthly intervals since the mid 1990s provide a unique sector-based perspective on project implementation.
Many LWAG meetings have been focussed on farming under The Project. “Carrots for farmers” was the theme of a series of meetings about 10 years ago; these aimed to address opportunities for landowners farming under the nitrogen cap. For example, The Project provides a marketing opportunity to promote agricultural products within a clean-green reality; it is no coincidence that the “Taupō Beef” project was first canvassed at one of these meetings. Revenue associated with tourism e.g., bike trails, is another opportunity for rural landowners.
LWAG’s advocacy for The Project has included many submissions to government agencies over the years, commonly through the long term and annual plans of Taupō District Council and Waikato Regional Council. This has required significant effort from LWAG’s voluntary membership. The Project has enjoyed broad political and community support and today LWAG ensures this support continues.
LWAG believe that community involvement is essential in both understanding and advocating for positive environmental outcomes. Active involvement with LWAG is encouraged, including through attending monthly meetings and discussion forums.
LWAG aims to
Maintain the consensus around Lake Taupō’s protection
Understand the technologies (i.e., science and engineering) associated with monitoring and protection of the lake and its catchment,
And lastly, keep up a keen engagement with policy review and development at all levels of government related to water quality and land use.