Protecting Lake Taupo: the strategy and the lessons

Abstract

The New Zealand Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme develops emerging agribusiness leaders to help shape the future of New Zealand agribusiness and rural affairs. Lincoln University has been involved with this leaders programme since 1979 when it was launched with a grant from the Kellogg Foundation, USA.The 'Protecting Lake Taupo' project is the largest environmental protection project of its type in New Zealand. The Waikato Regional council (Environment Waikato) charged with protecting the lake, sought to vary the regional plan to address and regulate land use activities affecting the quality and clarity of Lake Taupo. This research paper looks briefly at the history and development of the protection of the lake, but predominantly covers the emergence of the protection strategy - the past 8-9 years and what can be learned from that