Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
An electronic gate is to be installed at one of Northland's most popular - and ecologically precious - lakes in the hope of keeping out a hugely destructive aquatic pest.
The move comes amid long-running tension between groups who want Kai Iwi Lakes, about 35km north of Dargaville, permanently closed to power boats, and those who want continued access to a prime waterskiing and jetskiing destination.
Once the gate is operating, holiday makers will have to certify their boats have been cleaned before they can be launched in the near-pristine lake.
While the boat-access debate has been simmering for years, the stakes have risen sharply since the invasive freshwater gold clam arrived in New Zealand.
The clam is now found throughout the Waikato River and was last month discovered in Lake Rotomanu, near New Plymouth.
That lake is now being drained in a desperate bid to eradicate the fast-breeding pest and find out how far it has spread.
Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
The gold clam, originally from Southeast Asia, has caused havoc with ecosystems and water infrastructure around the world and has never been successfully eradicated.
Last week's unexpected vote by the Kaipara District Council to allow a boat-ramp gate at Lake Taharoa has been welcomed as a compromise offering at least some protection, especially after hours.
Lake Taharoa is the largest of the three Kai I
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