The problem that we see is that the river as a result of the diversion of water through the Poutu Intake and the Poutu canal to Lake Rotoaira effectively reduces the flow to 50% pre Tongariro Power scheme resulting in a river in its lower reaches being unable to clear the sediments.

The regime is complex. Water is added to the river from other rivers. Still the flow through Turangi is half the level it was before the Power scheme. The river can not afford to lose any further flow. It is disappointing that officially there is no minimum limit through Turangi.