Wishing all Mothers a Happy Mother’s Day on Sunday
Te Kai Whakarongo Issue 1208 | 5 May 2026 | Proudly locally owned and operated
theinformer.co.nz
@theinformernz
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COROMANDEL PENINSULA
BASKER ROAST NIGHT Every Wednesday night from 5pm Pork, lamb, chicken or beef Buffet salad and sauce bar Bookings recommended
Rugby
See page 26
GARAGE
SALE King’s Birthday Weekend Garage Sales
For more information see page 25
3A Reweti Drive (opposite Mobil) www.basker.co.nz info@basker.co.nz Phone: 07 866 0645 Hours 8.00am to late
GRASS CARP OR NO GRASS CARP? After four years a decision is close for the Cooks Beach lakes
BY PAULINE STEWART
N
o one likes foreign species to invade the local habitats and cause unnecessary damage. However over history it has happened. Possums are one very clear example – their fur value cannot equate to the damage they do. The situation before the Cooks Beach Community is whether or not they will finally get a Resource Consent approved to introduce Grass
Carp in their two lakes. The purpose is to manage the weed infestation that is a constant concern and health risk and prevents the lakes from doing their job – storm water storage. The situation has created an eyesore for everyone. Finally after four years, a Consent for the application to have Grass Carp is close to being approved by the council. It looked like a success on 25 March this year. It was even announced by one staff member.
However, It is written into legislation that iwi are to be consulted on the use of anything in waterways whether it be natural or introduced.
A DIFFERENT VIEW Recently and overdue, DOC undertook this final aspect which is not good news for the Cooks Beach community. The Informer spoke to a local iwi representative. “When we looked at the lakes we were shocked at the
lack of planting around the perimeters. It was all meant to be planted initially when the lakes went in. Years ago, a small amount was done and it has mysteriously vanished. “We would like to see an extensive planting programme and TCDC has funding for this. WRC has the responsibility for the catchment, and it can be planted right up to the perimeters of the lakes.
Continued on page 3