Government backs restoration of Lake Ōmāpere
The New Zealand Government will provide $3 million to restore Lake Ōmāpere, Northland’s largest lake, supporting water resilience and economic development through enabling works and future infrastructure.
The Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund will allocate $3 million to restore Lake Ōmāpere, Northland’s largest lake, as announced by Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Minister Mark Patterson. The funding will cover enabling activities such as regulatory approvals, road access improvements, and the construction of a weir to regulate water levels. Design work for future water storage infrastructure will also be supported, marking a key step in the project’s implementation. The announcement follows the project’s first stage, He wai ora; he iwi ora, which is estimated to cost $5.9 million and involves multiple funding partners.
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones stated that restoring Lake Ōmāpere will enhance the region’s water system resilience and economic development while acknowledging the lake’s cultural significance as a taonga to local communities. The project aims to honour this connection by improving the lake’s health and supporting businesses and future growth. Jones described the investment as a critical step toward achieving a long-term vision for the lake and its surrounding communities. The funding will enable essential preparatory work before larger infrastructure investments.
Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson highlighted the importance of reliable water supply for maintaining land productivity during dry periods. He noted that advancing the project will strengthen Northland’s resilience to future water challenges while revitalising a valued taonga. Patterson emphasised the potential for a healthy Lake Ōmāpere to bolster local food production and create opportunities for Māori economic development in the region. The project is being led by Lake Ōmāpere GP Limited on behalf of the Lake Ōmāpere Trust.
The first stage of the restoration project, He wai ora; he iwi ora, is expected to cost approximately $5.9 million, with contributions from multiple partners. The initiative focuses on improving water quality and ecosystem health while supporting community and economic benefits. Enabling works funded by the $3 million grant will prepare the groundwork for subsequent phases, including water storage infrastructure. The project aligns with broader regional development goals to enhance resilience and sustainability in Northland.