Lake Rotomā’s water level is the highest it has been for at least 10 years, and Lakes Ōkataina and Rotomahana are at the highest level recorded since the 1970s. Rerewhakaaitu is the highest since the 1960s, however Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti were even higher in January 2011, according to Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s data. Lake Ōkāreka is currently at 354.1 meters - 10cm lower than it was in July last year. Most rainfall data is well above ‘normal’ levels, some by as much as 380 percent, and levels measured at Ohinekoao at Herepuru Rd is 550 percent above normal. Regional Council Engineering Manager Colin Meadowcroft said heavy rainfall from late December to early January significantly raised water levels in the district. Lake levels were pre-emptively lowered following MetService Weather Warnings in late December.

 

Mo ngā tau tekau kua taha ake nei, kāre ano kia ekea te teiteitanga o te wai kei roto i ngā roto moana kei Te Arawa, ko te roto moana o Rotomā, Okataina me Rotomahana ngā roto moana e whakamātauhia. Mo te roto moana o Rerewhakaitu mai i ngā tau ono tekau kāre ano kia kite i teiteitanga o te wai ki roto i te roto nei mo e hia nei ngā tau. E ai ki ngā whakahau mai te kaunihera taiao a rohe o Te Moana nui a Toi toru rau, rima tekau ma wha ira tahi miita te teiteitanga o te wai o Okareka.