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Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo is our biggest natural lake and is treasured by New Zealanders. However water quality in the lake is declining due to increased concentrations of nitrogen leaching from the surrounding land. The result is increased algal growth and decreased water clarity.

The Ministry for the Environment has written an information sheet outlining the Ministry's work to maintain and protect Lake Taupo.

Environment Waikato and the Ministry for the Environment are working to find solutions to return Lake Taupo to good health. For more information see Environment Waikato’s partnership strategy ‘Protecting Lake Taupo’.

Integrated Sustainable Development for the Lake Taupo Catchment

One solution involves the Sustainable Management Fund funding of a joint venture between Environment Waikato and Tuwharetoa Māori Trust Board to establish an integrated sustainable development strategy for the Lake Taupo Catchment. For more information see the 2020 Taupo-nui-a-Tia website.

Reducing nitrogen inputs

Environment Minister Marian Hobbs has also announced a significant government commitment to preserving Lake Taupo for the future.

The government is committing up to $36.7 million to a joint fund to reduce nitrogen inputs to the Lake, with the aim of protecting water quality and clarity.

For more information see the Minister's media release: Government commits to Lake Taupo.