Karapiro closure 'draconian'

A Waipa district councillor has expressed alarm about the length of time Lake Karapiro could be out of bounds for recreational users because of the 2010 World Rowing Championships.

At last week's Waipa District Council meeting a recommendation was tabled from the Karapiro Domain Committee that signs be erected as soon as possible at all lake venues and boat ramps advising of access restrictions, and that a meeting be held with affected groups to advise on alternatives.

But councillor Grahame Webber voiced concern at the prospect of Lake Karapiro zones three, four and five being closed to the public for two months before and after the championships, to run from October 29 to November 7.

"I am taken aback by the closure," he said. "They (Karapiro 2010) are saying they need zones 4 to 5 kilometres up the lake from the dam. I find it hard to believe they need that locked down for two months. It seems a bit draconian."

Councillor Errol Newlands, who is chairman of the Karapiro Domain, said some restrictions would be in place from October 18, with Environment Waikato and Waipa District Council making the final decision on closures.

"The concern is that if there is not good public consultation, everyone will be uptight about it," Mr Newlands said. "We need people to know what the alternatives will be."

"It is an important place to a whole lot of people for a lot of reasons."

More than 300 competitors from 60 countries are expected at the championships. Most of them will be seeking pre-event training on the lake, and event infrastructure will have to be removed after the championships.

Waipa District Council has been working on upgrades at the lake, including a new events and community centre, new toilets and roads, grandstand seating, alterations to the Rob Waddell Lodge, a new site office, and a children's playground plus other infrastructure upgrades.

At last week's meeting, Waipa District Council policy manager Ross McNeil was publicly presented with the trophy his council team won in the corporate team section of the recent Karapiro Ironman.

Mr McNeil anchored the team by cycling 90km in 2hrs 47min 20s.

- © Fairfax NZ News