Landmark book showcases Waikato’s lakes
Hidden Gems of the Waikato – The History, Ecology and Management of the Waikato Lakes | Ō Tātou Roto – He Taonga Tuku Iho was a labour of love spanning five years for Waikato River Authority (WRA) Pou Ārahi Hotaka – Trust Fund Manager Tracie Dean-Speirs, Natasha Grainger (Waikato Regional Council), and Deniz Özkundakcı (Waikato University).
The book brings together contributions from 82 authors across a range of disciplines and organisations. Covering topics such as lake geology and formation, native plants and animals, and restoration efforts, it also delves into policy, economic considerations, and personal reflections.
A former Waikato Regional Council Lakes Management Officer, Tracie, says the Covid lockdown provided an opportunity to pull together ‘gems of information’ into one accessible book, capturing the diverse perspectives and collective knowledge of the lakes.
“There was a lot of information in people’s heads that we wanted to capture” Tracie says.
The real impetus behind the book is to raise the profile of the Waikato lakes and to share both the good and the bad news about their wellbeing.
“There’s a real sense of urgency around the region’s lakes. Some are in pretty poor condition. On the flip side, we’ve also got some absolute gems that people don’t even realise are there, and that we need to look after” she says.
“We hope the insights in this book will help inspire greater efforts to protect and restore the lakes so that they can be enjoyed by future generations.”
A standout lake that comes to mind for Tracie is Lake Koraha near Waitomo, which ranks very highly nationally for ecological condition.
“It’s got incredible submerged plant communities and is virtually pristine. There are walking tracks to it, but no easy access, which has helped protect it. When we did the first survey, NIWA had to helicopter some equipment in.”
Tracie’s deep knowledge of the region’s lakes and waterways is a huge asset in her role with the WRA.
“The WRA has funded many practical projects for community groups, landowners and others within the catchments of these lakes,” she says.
Not just a celebration, Hidden Gems is also a wake-up call, revealing the fragility of our ecosystems and the stark reality of loss and decline facing many of the Waikato’s lakes.
Hidden Gems can be purchased at Penny’s bookstore in Chartwell Square. Copies are also available at public libraries in the region.
