New boat ramp gate at Lake Taharoa aims to keep invasive clam out

Boaties launching at Lake Taharoa in Kaipara now need a PIN for a new automated gate, ideally arranged 48 hours before they travel.

Northland Regional Council installed the gate at the boat ramp to help stop invasive freshwater pests, particularly the invasive freshwater clam. Access to the lake, one of the taonga that form the Kai Iwi Lakes group, remains open.

“Stopping pests from arriving is far easier and more cost-effective than trying to manage them once they’re established.” said John Blackwell, the council’s Kaipara constituency representative.

Blackwell said the lake is one of Northland’s most treasured freshwater recreation destinations. He is worried about the clam because it has not yet reached Taitokerau.

From Friday 23 October, boaties must complete a self-certification process and obtain a PIN to open the gate. They need the PIN to launch and retrieve their vessel.

The gate system reinforces the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ message, the council says. It aims to make sure people have followed the correct biosecurity protocol before launching.

Blackwell, a farmer, said many people do not realise how far the pest can reach. “For instance, this clam can affect farm water reticulation, block ballcocks and water lines and potentially threaten the viability of the farm itself.”

The gate cost about $53,000 to install, and the council also funds its ongoing operating costs. It has worked with Kaipara District Council, Te Roroa, Te Kuihi hapū, DOC and the Taharoa Domain Working Group.

Anyone wanting to know more about the clam and the risks it poses to rivers, lakes, infrastructure and native biodiversity can visit the council’s invasive clam page.