Boat ramp blockade called off

Rotorua District Council chief executive Peter Guerin and council managers have reached an agreement with Ngati Pikiao Environmental Society to call off tomorrow's blockade of access to the Bay of Plenty Trailer Yacht Squadron's privately owned boat ramp at Okawa Bay on Lake Rotoiti.

Mr Guerin said the council and Ngati Pikiao representatives met earlier today and had a positive and constructive discussion.

He said they would meet again on Friday December 14 and invite stakeholder parties to be represented at the meeting in the interests of finding a resolution to the issue.

Those being invited would include representatives of the yacht squadron, regional council, Te Arawa Lakes Trust, police, Ngati Pikiao and Rotorua District Council.

Mr Guerin said Ngati Pikiao had agreed in the meantime not to proceed with the blockade originally planned for tomorrow.