Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Advocates for the Tongariro River We speak out for the Tongariro River ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Blog - [Blog New](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/blog-new/) - [Advocate 23/3](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2023/06/advocate-23-3/) - New License required for the 2023-24 seson A new License is required on 1st July each year. Renew on line www.doc.govt.nz or just google Taupo Fishing License. Licenses are on sale from Saturday 24 June, a week before the new season starts. Prior to that, the on line license is for the year ending - [Advocate 26/5](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2026/05/advocate-26-5/) - Advocates for the Tongariro River – Autumn Update The Tongariro River remains one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most iconic and valued waterways. As anglers, locals, and advocates will be well aware, the river is both resilient and vulnerable. The past few months have once again highlighted why continued advocacy, collaboration, and vigilance are essential in protecting this taonga for - [Advocate 26/2](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2026/02/advocate-26-2/) - Hi All, The Advocates has prepared and made a submission on the proposed Natural Environment and Planning Bills. Advocates Chair Carl Bergstrom has spearheaded the effort to make sure the environment for trout and salmon are accounted for in this new legislation. It seems probable that the Advocates will be making an oral submissiom as - [Advocate 25/12 Merry Christmas](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2025/12/advocate-25-12-merry-christmas/) - Hi All, Advocates for the Tongariro River: Protecting Our Taonga for Future Generations The Tongariro River is more than a waterway—it’s a living treasure, a source of recreation, biodiversity, and cultural significance. For decades, the Advocates for the Tongariro River (AFTR) have worked tirelessly to safeguard this vital ecosystem. As we close out another year, it’s worth reflecting on their - [Advocate 25/9](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2025/09/advocate-25-9/) - Hi All, Whether it is maintaining, improving and initiating a new, river access is an ongoing topic of conversation with regards to the Tongariro. The dynamic nature of the river means that following material weather events, access to the river changes. Following this years earlier flood events, you will have noticed material changes in the - [Advocate 25/3](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2025/06/advocate-25-3/) - Hi All, As you maybe aware, the Tongariro River has seen two significant flood events in the last month. The first on the 9/10th of May and the second on 4/5th June. To put this in perspective, these events are first in seven years of this magnitude. These events have seen the river change materially, - [Advocates for the Tongariro River AGM Reminder](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2025/06/advocates-of-the-tongariro-river-agm-reminder/) - Hi All, A reminder that the Advocates for the Tongariro River AGM for 2025 is scheduled for Saturday. All are welcome to join us. This will be the 22nd AFTR AGM. Where : Parklands Motel conference room (Corner of Te Arahori Street and SH1) When : Saturday 7th June 10am Regards, Sam - [Advocate 25/2](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2025/05/advocate-25-2/) - The central North Island saw a significant rain event on the 9th and 10th of May. This caused the third most significant flood event in the last decade, albeit not by a large margin, with the Tongariro River seeing a peak from of 720.9 cubic meters per second (m3/sec). The rainfall was relatively localised, as - [Advocate 25/1](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2025/03/advocate-25-1/) - Waikato Regional Council (WRC) to complete survey of flood protection assets in March 2025 In welcomed news, the WRC announced that survey works on the Tauranga Taupo and Tongariro rivers would be completed between the 3rd and 28th of March. This has been previously advised in the respective rivers Annual Works Plans 2024/2025, but none - [Advocate 24/6](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2024/12/advocate-24-6/) - Seasons Greetings from the Advocates For the Tongariro River. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our members and engaged community for the support offered in 2024. Without the high level of engagement we currently enjoy, our ability to advocate and lobby on behalf the the river, its environs and users, - [Advocate 24/5](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2024/10/advocate-24-5/) - It is always a nice time of year to be around the Tongariro River in spring. After what has been a mostly dry winter, in the last six weeks we have seen the river flow rate over 100 cubic meters per second (m3/Sec) on three occasions. The largest was at the start of September when - [Adovcates 24/4](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2024/08/adovcates-24-4/) - It has been a busy period for the Advocates over the last few months. I have decided to break this piece into sections, and I definitely recommend reading to the end. There is some breaking news for the fishing inclined amongst you. Topics covered in this blog: Advocates for the Tongariro AGM Department for Conservation - [Advocates 24/3](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2024/05/advocates-24-3/) - Welcome. Please find below the date, time and location of the 2024 Advocates for the Tongariro River (AFTR) Annual General Meeting. Please come along and join us. There are some complicated and important issues on the river currently (see previous blog) and the more engaged membership is, the better equipped the AFTR will be to - [Advocates 24/2](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2024/05/advocates-10-5/) - My name is Sam Coxhead. It is with excitement that I look to further Eric Wilson's excellent efforts in producing this blog for the Advocates for the Tongariro (AFTR) website, over an extended period of time. It is my intention to cover a wide range of issues that impact the Tongariro River and its - [Advocate 24/1](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2024/02/advocate-24-1/) - Some years ago I took on the task of writing the Advocate's blogs. For any organisation, communication with members, potential members and interested parties is a key factor in the success of the group. As writer I was given free reign to write on the matters I saw as interesting- the length of, and frequency - [Advocate 23/7](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2023/11/advocate-23-7/) - Website and Video We have placed the video of the Helicopter flight on the front page of our website. We will shortly add a piece to explain the reason for the video. Fishing report I asked anglers their opinion of the year's fishing experience and they were all very happy with the results this year, - [Advocate 23/6 #135](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2023/10/advocate-23-6-135/) - Constitution Progress The Committee has approved the updated Constitution. I have attached the Constitution for members to read. It is a rebuild of the Rules of the Society as published in the 2004 Annual Report Page 69. We now need members to vote on approval of the new Constitution and then, if approved, we send - [Advocate 23/5 #134](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2023/09/advocate-23-5-134/) - Administratively we have been busy with the WRC Work Plan for the protection of Turangi from Tongariro River flooding and with updating the Constitution of our Incorporated Society to enable us to re-register as quickly as possible. Fishing the Tongariro. A History of Our Greatest Trout River. Grant Henderson. Grant was in touch in - [Advocate 23/4](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2023/08/advocate-23-4/) - Intro Weather and Committee meeting. It seems that Winter is arriving as Spring approaches. It was -4 this morning the coldest morning this winter. We have had a couple of weeks of beautiful Winter weather. The good fishing also arrived late. The last Committee meeting on 22nd July was dominated by The Tongariro River Flood - [Advocate 23/2](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2023/04/advocate-23-2/) - Tragedy on the River. Sadly,a local man drowned in the Tongariro river near the Major Jones bridge in March. A Rahui was in place until Monday, 27th of March. River Flows The river has been flowing at double the normal flow rate. From Monday 6 March through to 28 April work was being undertaken - [Advocate 23/1](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2023/03/advocate-23-1/) - 2023 - This year's blogs will cover the issues that are of most concern to the Advocates. To quote Zane Grey "To capture the fish is not all of the fishing." Fishing is but one aspect of a catchment and there are fishing reports that cover this more regularly than I propose to do this - [Advocate 22/9](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2022/12/advocate-22-9/) - Introduction The paper tells me that a long, hot, dry summer awaits us. 2022 has seen an interesting change in the weather. The start of the year saw a prolonged dry spell and saw the lake level drop. When the rain did come it lingered and then there was a succession of floods. The winter - [Advocate 22/8](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2022/10/advocate-22-8/) - A wet autumn. Climate change or a different weather sequence, it has been a different autumn to what is expected. As a local the -5C frost was out of character though we have had frost in December, a light dusting of snow on Christmas Day, 1974 and the need to light the fire on - [Advocate 22/7](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2022/08/advocate-22-7/) - Floods As I start my third attempt for this blog the river has come down from its peak of 615 cm/3 and now is at 290cm/3. 615 cm/3 is a 1 in 5 year flood and is the largest we have had for some time (possibly 5 years). We should all be indebted to the - [Advocate 22/5](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2022/07/advocate-22-5/) - Passing of Jock McNab It is with sadness that I record Jock's death on 4 July 2022, peacefully, at Taupo Hospital. I wrote about Jock in Advocate - [Advocate 22/4](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2022/06/advocate-22-4/) - The AGM The AGM was held Saturday 21 May as advised in our Annual Report. We were pleased to have George Asher as co-chair of Ngati Tuwharetoa and Mike Fransham of the National Trout Centre (NTC) and a member of AFTR, Thanks for apologies received. We had a frank discussion with George seeking a better - [Advocate 22/3](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2022/05/advocate-22-3/) - Anglers want rain In the last 3 months the Genesis website shows Turangi recorded as having only 199.6 mm of rain (roughly 8 inches) which is a very dry spell. The rain has fallen in 4 events of uneven size. The river-flow graph shows the largest flow of 130 m3/sec back in February with 1 - [Advocate 22/2](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2022/03/advocate-22-2/) - Weather We have had a dry first 3 months with less than 120mm. The dry was broken with 106 mm in the last 7 days. The river has risen slightly but is dirty. Fishing I fish less these days and am grateful to receive copy to include in the Blog. Carl Bergstrom gave me the - [Advocate 22/1](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2022/02/advocate-22-1/) - Despite the pandemic we had a good fishing experience (when able to fish) in 2021 and look forward to a continuation of good fishing this year. Signs look good. We have had a month long dry spell and I am mindful that we often have a flood at this time of the year. The 2 - [Advocate 21/9](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2021/12/advocate-21-9/) - The COP 26 conference (the United Nations climate change conference, 26th conference of parties thus COP26) highlighted ways we woud see climate change. Significant floods and significant droughts feature and both could impact on this area. The Tongariro River Catchment"s last significant flood was 2004. After the floods of 1988 and 2004 it took - [Advocate 21/8](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2021/10/advocate-21-8/) - An original member, and still a member, of the Advocates is Jock McNab and I write to acknowledge his contribution to this group and acknowledge his wider contribution to the Turangi and Tokaanu communities. Jock was born in 1921 in Taumarunui where his father was the BNZ Bank Manager. The family moved, 1925, to Days - [Advocate 21/7](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2021/10/advocate-21-7/) - I asked 4 of our committee (Carl Bergstrom, Gary Brown, Mike Forret, Richard Kemp), to write about their experience with this seasons fishing to date and to include a couple of photos. Their contributions are as follows. From Carl Just as I was thinking that the fresh runs were almost over for the Rainbow spawning - [Advocate 21/6](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2021/08/advocate-21-6/) - Level 4 Lockdown Advocate 20/3 setout the rules for Anglers during Lockdown. I am simply retrieving that blog so that we know what happened then and must happen now. Eric Wilson Secretary Can we Fish during Lockdown To fish or not to fish in a time of Covid. I can only pass on officia - [Advocate 20/3 republished as 21/4](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2020/03/advocate-20-3/) - Level 4 Lockdown Advocate 20/3 setout the rules for Anglers during Lockdown. I am simply retrieving that blog so that we know what happened then and must happen now. Eric Wilson Secretary Can we Fish during Lockdown To fish or not to fish in a time of Covid. I can only pass on officia - [Advocate 21/5](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2021/08/advocate-21-5/) - Personal I have been very conscious that I have written few blogs this year and ask myself why. In summary it is a result of getting older, frustration at not achieing self imposed goals, other activities on my bucket list to be achieved which compete with the time I have. Early this year I received - [Advocate 21/4](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2021/06/advocate-21-4/) - AGM The AGM honored Dr Stuart Crosbie by appointing him a distinguished member of the Advocates. Stuart developed our view on the operational levels of Lake Taupo for power generation on the Waikato River, arguing that the same generation output could be achieved with a slightly lower maximum operationl level. Mercury (Mighty River Power) gave - [Advocate 21/3](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2021/05/advocate-21-3/) - AGM Reminder NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The nineteenth Annual General Meeting of the Advocates for the Tongariro River Inc. will be held at Parklands, Conference Room, on Saturday 22nd May 2021 10.30am. Located on the corner of Te Arahori Street and State Highway 1 (opposite Z petrol station). All welcome. Taupo Waters This is - [Advocate 21/2](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2021/03/advocate-21-2/) - Subscriptions Thankyou to those who have paid their subscriotions for the 2021 year. For those who have put to one side and have forgotten where the notice is, refer to Advocate 21/1. Our membership remains a key to our effectiveness. Currently we have asked Waikato Regional Council and DOC fishery to act on the sign - [Advocate 21/1](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2021/02/advocate-21-1/) - The weather has turned wet and cool (14O) as I write. A week ago there was a definite overnight cooling and the daylight hours were definitely reducing. Daylight hours for February will reduce by close to 60 minutes and the Autumn equinox occurs on the 20th and 21st March. In the 1970's and earlier we - [Advocate 20/12](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2020/12/advocate-20-12/) - A shaggy Fish story President, Gary Brown and friend Paul Brennan, managed their last Taupo fishing experience for 2020. They had 3 days fishing the lake and river from the boat. In that time they caught limit each day but kept only 7 fish of very good quality. One fish that took Gary's hook, estimated - [Advocate 20/11](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2020/10/advocate-20-11/) - Fishing The number of anglers on the river have reduced. Despite that there are still very good fresh run fish to be caught. Membership We appreciate all who have paid subscriptions to us this year. We realise how easy it is to miss a payment you would have paid. Our Treasurer is following up - [Advocate 20/10](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2020/10/advocate-20-10/) - As I write the river has declined from its flood of 375 m3/sec and is now at 32 m3/sec still a way to go to get to m3/sec. I fished yesterday and found the water still flowing strongly, with a lot of fine material deposited, which left in the river side soft sinking muddy material. - [Advocate 20/8](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2020/07/advocate-20-8/) - Weather and Fishing Last Sunday was a beautiful Turangi day. The morning was planting day on the Waiotaka River. The sun shone, it was calm. For some time now as with the rest of the country it has been persistent rain/showers, cold and windy. The 1 month graph shows 140mm for the month. Fishing The - [Advocate 20/9](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2020/08/advocate-20-9/) - In retirement I wanted to be a Luddite. In order to know what is going on in the world I have had to learn new electronic technology which my grandchildren cope with easily - and I struggle. No sooner have I learned the new ways than a new update appears or a significant change occurs - [Advocate 20/7](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2020/06/advocate-20-7/) - New Season New License July 1 The Fishery Management team at DOC are to be congratulated for the licensing system implemented. Digital technology has so improved the effort required to acquire a license. There are refinements that need to be made but it is a huge advance on the old system. It is good to - [Advocate 20/6](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2020/06/advocate-20-6/) - Fishing Prior to Queens Birthday weekend I received the following article on the local fishishing from Richard Kemp. Just over a week ago,Honor and I had a pleasant few days at Turangi. The weather was very good and so was the fishing on the Tongariro. There were not a lot of anglers on the river, - [Advocate 20/5](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2020/05/advocate-20-5/) - I waited for news of a lowering of Covid level from 3 to 2. Much is said that this is not a return to normal but it is a lot closer to normal than what was 4 and the last day of level 3. Boating In the notification from the Harbourmaster clarification: The Tokaanu Marina - [Advocate 20/4](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2020/04/advocate-20-4/) - I am indebted to Mike Forret, our go-to person when computer things go wrong. During the week we took the opportunity to trial Zoom for meetings. At our last trial I said I would write this blog. Halfway through I had the challenge of finding my way back in to complete the blog. I was - [Advocate 20/2](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2020/03/advocate-20-2/) - This afternoon we had a thunderstorm and with it a very heavy shower. As with most of the country the weather to now has been sunny, warm to hot, calm, and rain free with brown grass dominating. The riverflow through Turangi is 21 m3/s. Lake Taupo level is 356.581 masl (meters above sea level). The - [Advocate 20/1](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2020/02/advocate-20-1/) - "Anticipation is a prime ingredient of the pleasure of fishing," J.R.Priestly wote in his 1991 book, Fly Fishing, Memories of Angling days. There has been good fishing both in the river and on the lake for some time now. My comments are from observation rather than personal success. Our President Gary Brown sent me this - [Advocate 19/10](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2019/12/advocate-19-10/) - Weather Flooding in the South Island reminds me that floods on the Tongariro River at this time of the year are common. Fortunately we have escaped this tempest this time though heavy rain (20mm) last night caused a very minor rise in water level from 24 to 32 cms. Best of all it is calm - [Advocate 19/9](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2019/11/advocate-19-9/) - My wife and I have recently returned from an overseas trip in which events in NZ have been distant. I am in the process of picking up on matters. Our ride back to Turangi from Taupo airport required us to take the longer alternative Western access road as the strong winds had blown trees in - [Advocate 19/8](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2019/08/advocate-19-8/) - Yesterday afternoon the river was running at 39.2m3s, a level I find acceptable to fish, and I landed a limit bag. Two other anglers were in the pool and we fished happily together and all had success. This helps to remedy some recent bad experiences. The river was in a minor flood of 78 m3s - [Advocate 19/7](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2019/08/advocate-19-7/) - The Conservation (Indigenous Freshwater Fishery) Amendment Bill Environment Select Committee Final Report was released on 31/7/2019. I had earmarked and advised the 12/8/2019 as that was published on the web page. In fact the Environment Committee report was released earlier. Support Documents were released on the 7/8/2019. All documents are very thorough. Collectively there is - [Advocate 19/6](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2019/07/advocate-19-6/) - Winter Floods Yesterdays flood registered at 317 cms. It was the 6th flood of more than 70 cms in the last 3 months and only 3 cms less than the flood in early June. These floods are a long way short of the 1958 and 2004 floods but they are important in the life of - [Advocate 19/5](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2019/05/advocate-19-5/) - I had a most enjoyable fishing experience Tuesday. Autumn is my favourite season. I fished downstream of State Highway 1 bridge. There were 3 anglers in the Bridge Pool and another couple in the lower Bridge pool. But further downstream I had the river to myself. Absolute luxury though at this time such a scenario - [Advocate 19/4](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2019/04/advocate-19-4/) - AFTR Presentation to the Parliamentary Select Committee Environment by Julian Proctor.Julian presented to the select CommitteeThursday morning. The presentation is here. The video has two 5' phone presentations. Julian starts just before the 14' mark The 8 Members of the Select Committee:The 1507 submissions are all on line and can be read on Parliament website - [Advocate 19/3](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2019/04/advocate-19-3/) - The Fishery There is not a lot of activity on the river to date. There are fresh run fish in the river but they are not a great number. Some anglers have had good success but most are finding the fishing slow. The best time to fish is change of light. There is a lot - [Advocate 19/2](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2019/02/advocate-19-2/) - Membership Thank you for the support you have given us with payment of subscriptions. It is rewarding for our committee to know your support. We realise how easy it is to let matters slip and if you have still to update your membership we look forward to receiving your subscription. Some members have had a - [Advocate 19/1](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2019/02/advocate-19-1/) - The Tongariro river Catchment It seems that summer is fading into Autumn. The days are getting shorter. The nights back below 10 which is welcome. The winds of December and January have abated. The day temperatures are nice and warm. The lake surface water is pleasant to swim in. Rain is not forecast until early - [Advocate 18/15](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2018/12/advocate-18-15/) - Fishing In a previous blog I said that fishing the river would be yielding fresh run, good quality fish through to Christmas. There were still good fish in the river a week ago. I fished the Delta on Monday with Gary and Paul and we each caught one fish. Paul caught the first and I - [Advocate 18/13](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2018/10/advocate-13-18/) - The 18th October is a problem for me. I have two meetings scheduled for the same time. They are Dr Mike Joy speaking in Taupo at a meeting organised by Lakes and Waterways Action Group Taupo Fishery Advisory Group The invitation to all to hear Dr Mike Joy Lakes and Waterways Action Group host Mike - [Advocate 18/12](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2018/09/advocate-12-18/) - Dr Mark McElroy Cosgrove Mark was responsible for setting up the Advocates For The Tongariro River and was the first President of the organisation. He was firstly a scientist with a BSc degree from Canterbury University, M.Sc from Victoria University and a PhD from Waikato University. His love of trout fishing was just another - [Advocate 18/14](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2018/11/advocate-18-14/) - Weather What a difference a day makes! Yesterday, 5th November, started with a gale and was freezing cold due to wind chill. That situation remained all day. It seemed to me to be a good day to go fishing, which I did in the early afternoon. I guessed correctly that no one else would be - [Advocate 18/11](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2018/08/advocate-18-11/) - Outside it is raining heavily. A check of the Genesis web site shows that in Turangi we have had 20mm of rainfall over the last 24 hours and the river flow reached 37 cumecs. It is still raining and cold. Winter is holding onto its position as chief season as spring intrudes with nice warm - [Advocate 18/10](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2018/07/advocate-18-10/) - The Tongariro River Catchment. It has been one of our goals to seek no further deterioration of the catchment so that indigenous flora and fauna can survive and flourish. The Listener article, A Wing and a Prayer, (Listener, July 7-13 2018) had a sobering message - "the shocking decline in birds worldwide is a disaster - [Advocate 18/9](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2018/07/advocate-18-9/) - Winter is keeping things pretty quiet here in Turangi. The fishing has been pretty quiet as well though the very few who have had good catches will say that it has been great. The signs that it is quiet are the small numbers of anglers out on the river. The new season started 1 July. - [Advocate 18/8](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2018/06/advocate-18-8/) - Lindavia Intermedia (Lake Snow.} I received this email from Brenda Lawson. DOC Freshwater Threats Ranger Kai-Arahi Wai Maori Hi All, You are receiving this as you have already had some involvement in the Check Clean Dry campaign in the Central Plateau Area. THANK YOU for your efforts over the years protecting our NZ freshwater. Truly - [Advocate 18/7](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2018/06/advocate-18-7/) - At last there are fish in the river, anglers abound. There have been good fish, and good fishing, for some time now but they are not numerous. The latest fish run arrived on Thursday. Why? We experienced a small flood of 115 m3/sec the result of 25.6mm rainfall on Tuesday afternoon and night. It was - [Advocate 18/6](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2018/05/advocate-18-6/) - In my last blog, Advocate 18/5, I had cause to amend a statement I made re Genesis opening the gates to let the build up of sediment behind Rangipo Dam into the river. Cam Speedy of Genesis corrected me and I changed to blog to correct my error nand I repea Cam's email here, Just - [Advocate 18/5](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2018/05/advocate-18-5/) - The Annual Meeting 28.4.2018 Saturdays Annual General Meeting was regarded by the committee as successful. Since writing the President's report Gary Brown agreed to stand again as President and was re elected with acclaim. The remaining committee members stood again and were re-elected. We were pleased to add to the committee Alasdair Keucke and Julian - [Advocate 18/4](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2018/04/advocate-18-4/) - We returned last weekend after two weeks in the South Island. Since our return we have experienced an advance by winter and the week has been cold, wet and windy. Summer will fight to continue its presence but will lose out. Today it is windy and cold and I haven't been enticed to the - [Advocate 18/3](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2018/03/advocate-18-3/) - Wednesday 21.3.2018 The Annual Meeting I have emailed the Annual Report to all members this evening. If you did not receive the report our 2017 Annual Report is now on our website in Library, Annual Reports. At the Annual Meeting at Tongariro Lodge (Graces Road, Turangi) on April 28 at 10.00am we look forward to - [Advocate 18/2](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2018/03/advocate-18-2/) - In late February we had a better than 1 in 5 year flood with a flow rate at peak of 740 m3s The flood had a good clean out of the river but a lot of debris left at the delta. Upstream of 1 km from the lake there was minimal change. After a pleasant spell - [Advocate 18/1](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2018/02/advocate-18-1/) - The river was again in flood when I went to go fishing yesterday. It peaked at 255 m3s and that evening at 8.21pm it was flowing at 56 m3s. This evening it is running at 40 m3s and is fishable but it is again raining with thunder. To be honest I have enjoyed the boat - [Advocate 17/17](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2017/12/advocate-17-17/) - The difficulty in writing a 2017 final blog is to avoid reviewing the year as that will occur with the Annual report. None the less I must cover some matters that have highlighted the year. The first is the great fishing year that we have had and are still having though the focus has moved - [Advocate 17/16](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2017/11/advocate-1716/) - I have attended 3 meetings since last writing. These were: Lake Taupo Waikato Regional Council Zone Committee Mercury Energy Hydrologist Daid Payne presented an explanation of the consents that Mercury has. Advocates were vocal at the time of the application for consent for the whole Mercury system. From that application Mercury was granted a 35 - [Advocate 17/15](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2017/10/advocate-1715/) - The Great Fishing Season continues. All that I talk with on the river tell me of the good fishing experience they are having this year. Those who have fished in the Taupo Fishery remember the lean period. Spent fish are part of the catch now particularly in the shallow water close to the bank. Death - [Advocate 17/14](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2017/10/advocate-1714-2/) - Fishing Ben Alton First Casualty I read and much enjoyed Ben Elton's novel The First Casualty The novel is set in the time of Passchendaele or Ypres 3 or Bath of Mud. The walk downstream from the Bain pool to the Reed takes 20 minutes and allows one to think. The track which I praised 2 - [Advocate 17/13](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2017/09/advocate-1713/) - Vehicle access from State Highway 1 (Poutu Bridge) to the Blue Pool. I was asked during the weekend what was happening to access upstream of the Poutu pool. Anglers have seen the steel posts in preparation for a forestry gate to be installed. The photo below is the base for the gate as it was - [Advocate 17/12](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2017/08/advocate-1712/) - New Fishing Manners Signage The Advocates committee has discussed the issue of fishing manners or etiquette for some time. In thew 1970's,when Alan Cooper was President of TALTAC and I was a committee member, I helped Alan put Fishing Manners signs up around the river. These gradually disappeared with one remaining on the track leading - [Advocate 17/11](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2017/08/advocate-1711/) - The positive from today's drenching rain, a flooded river, a cold spell is that Spring is close at hand. The Daphne and Witch-hazel are flowering and the trees are swelling their buds ready to burst into leaf.. The river has fished well and I have enjoyed my fishing experience. I am very happy with the - [Advocate 17/10](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2017/07/advocate-1710/) - It is nearly 3 weeks since I wrote the last blog. In that time we have felt the effects of mid winter with cold and wet weather interlaced with excellent fishing. The heavy rain has resulted in yet another flood, the effects of which continue as the water logged land keeps the river level high. - [Advocate 17/9](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2017/07/advocate-179/) - Tomorrow, Saturday 8th July, is an important day for Ngati Tuwharetoa. The Treaty of Waitangi claim is to be signed with the Government at Waitetoko. A very large Marque has been erected on the Marae grounds to accommodate iwi. The report here is from the Taupo Times Fridy 7.7.2017 It is my understanding that this - [Advocate 17/8](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2017/06/advocate-178/) - New License Fees For a full explanation of the fees see this website. https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2017-go2571 The fees for the new season from 1 July 2017 through to 30 June 2018 below. Schedule: Licence fees payable for taking trout in Taupo District Class of applicant Fee ($) Part 1: 24-hour licence Adult 20.00 Child 4.50 Part 2: - [Advocate 17/7](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2017/06/advocate-177/) - AGM The AGM attracted a very small number of members. It was a dismal day, cold and wet but was a very pleasant venue. The election of committee saw the committee re-elected. Hydro Pool Planting Prep Last Monday 29th May,, was the working bee for the second stage of planting preparation on the left bank - [Advocate17/6](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2017/05/advocate176/) - Today, 22nd May 2017, has been a beautiful day, sunshine, cloudless, windless but cold. Quite different to the wet and windy days of the week that was. On the 13th May we had the largest flood of the year, 477 cumecs while sizeable given normal flow is around 22cumecs is a logway short of 1950 - [Advocate 17/5](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2017/05/advocate-175/) - My wife and I managed a holiday in New Caledonia that incorporated Anzac Day at Bourail, Commonwealth War Grave ceremony, and were lucky that we had excellent weather between Cyclone Cook and Cyclone Donna. Cyclone Donna is forecast in its downgraded state to have an impact on NZ over the next couple of days. Rick - [Advocate 17/4](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2017/04/advocate-174/) - I am currently in Wanaka. I received the following from Waikato Regional Council and pass it on to you. The weekend does not look great but the worst of the weather should have passed but I would predict the river in flood. Hello all, Attached is a Regional Hazards Advisory for the current weather - [Advocate 17/3](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2017/03/advocate-173/) - It has been an interesting month. We have completed the Annual Report which will be emailed this Friday. The fishing takes time and it has been good. We have had a committee meeting and were pleased to have Tina Porou, Chairperson of Ngati Turangitukua Environment Committee, speak with us. We are pleased with the efforts - [Advocate 17/2](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2017/03/advocate-172/) - I have enjoyed my fishing this year. Both Lake and River are yielding good quality fish. On the river this is the time of the Brown Trout and they are always larger than most Rainbows with some anglers targeting them rather than Rainbows in the lower river and at night. Rainbow trout caught have been - [Advocate 17/1](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2017/02/advocate-171/) - The last writing from me was on the 15th November 2016. My silence since then is not because of inactivity but rather because of technical problems. The committee held a special meeting in mid January to consider our future. In considering the future it is important to consider our origins and then our achievements. The - [Advocate 15/16](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2016/11/advocate-1516/) - Winter gave way to summer this week. The weather has been glorious since Monday. I see that tomorrow we are to expect a heavy morning shower with pleasant temperatures which will take us through to Monday. It is the annual Round Lake Taupo bike ride this weekend which attracts 2000 riders plus their support crews. - [Advocate 4/16](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2016/04/advocate-416/) - Our last committee meeting 10 days ago, getting the Annual Report prepared and distributed, attending the public meeting in Taupo addressed by the Hon.Nick Smith on the National policy on Freshwater and involvement in discussion with Todd Baldwin of WRC, Michel Dedual of Dept of Conservation (DOC) have occupied my time in recent days. The - [Advocate 13/16](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2016/09/advocate-1316/) - Fishing A number of fish are being caught. Fish are nicely shaped, mainly good condition but small around 2.5lbs. While the average size is small there are a few fish up to 6lb being caught. At this time there are spent fish in the catch. Fishing etiquette Fishing is much more than fish. It is - [Advocates 14/16](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2016/10/advocates-1416/) - As anglers we all hanker to catch the big one. For most of us, we are just happy to catch a fish of legal size. The dream of the Tongariro river are of fish exceding 20lbs  which were apparently reasonably common at some time in the past. After 40 years of fishing the Tongariro River - [Advocate 12/16](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2016/08/advocate-1612/) - Report on WRC Annual Work Plan for the Tongariro River. 20 people were present at the meeting held on Monday, 8th August, 2016 at the Bridge Lodge. The meeting was supportive of the Annual Work Plan as presented, though the Work Plan still needs to go to Iwi for consultation. There will be further consultation - [Advocate 11/16](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2016/08/advocate-1116/) - Weather Judging by my wood heap winter must be nearing its end. But winter it is. Snow on the Kaimanawas. The Desert Road closures from time to time. Lots of rain. Small, river floods.The fish don't mind as they are now making their runs up the river. Rainfall has been consistent. It is raining as - [Advocate 10/16](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2016/07/advocate-1016/) - The Waikato Regional Council Annual Plan of work for 2016 2017 has been received. This is available on our web site front page in Whats happening and in Library, Key documents. We have received notice of the meeting to discuss the Annual Work Plan for the Tongariro River. The Tongariro River works plan consultation meeting - [Advocate 9/16](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2016/07/advocate-916/) - Today has started with the heaviest frost of the season; -6. There are hardy anglers heading to the river accompanied by a moonlit sky before 6.00am. For me that takes the pleasure of catching a fish a stage nearer pain. I fished the last day of the season and thought that the season had finally - [Advocate 8/16](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2016/06/advocate-816/) - In 2004 Didymo established in NZ, We have fought to keep Didymo from the North Island and to date it has not occured here. Alarmingly another aquatic pest Lake Snot has been found in 3 South Island Lakes. I have copied from Stuff this report. I believe that CHECK CLEAN DRY is our hope until - [Advocate 7/16](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2016/06/advocate-716/) - It is a the first day of winter a beautiful clear blue sky but cold from a -3 frost overnight. After a very warm long Autumn the ten days of wet cool weather seemed a sign of a long winter ahead. Today its cheerful. The Annual meeting We had a good meeting and were pleased - [Advocate 6/16](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2016/05/advocate-616/) - I was of the belief that I had emailed the Annual Report for 2015 to members at least a month ago. Two committee members have advised me that they have not received the Annual Report. If you have received earlier then my apology for receiving a second time as I will resend and an apology - [Advocate 5/16](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2016/04/advocate-516/) - At the time of writing last week (Advocate 4/16) the work at the Bain Pool and car park had not been finished. I returned this morning to view the work which the following photos show. From my view point I think Todd has done an excellent job and I have told him so. The road - [Advocate 18/14](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2014/11/advocate-1814/) - The Advocates committee held their last 2014 committee meeting on the 22nd November 2014. Our meeting began with a minutes silence in acknowlegement of the death of Walter Freitag, a valued committee member for the last two years. Walter was not an angler but thoroughly enjoyed the Tongariro River and its environments and was passionate - [Advocate 3/16](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2016/03/advocate-316/) - The major event this week was last nights (14th March, 6.00 -8.00pm) public meeting organised by The Advocates For The Tongariro River about the proposed Carp Farm in Taupo. The meeting attracted some 175 Taupo district residents and was chaired by our Deputy President, Warren Butterworth. Paul Decker Of Mahurangi Technical Institute (MTI), Warkworth  showed - [Advocate 2/16](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2016/03/advocate-216/) - The Advocates for the Tongariro River invite you to a Public Meeting to discuss the proposed development of a carp farm in Taupo. The meeting aims to inform the community on the proposal and provide a forum for questions to be asked and answered. Date:             Monday, 14 March 2016 Time:                         6:00pm – - [Advocate 1/16](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2016/02/advocate-116-2/) - The following are my thoughts on the proposed Taupo Carp Farm. I wrote the  blog ( Advocate 14/15)  in November advising the intention of a grass carp farm in Taupo. The Advocates were 1 of 9 to make a submission on the carp farm, and at the end of December received a reply stating - [Advocate 14/15](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2015/11/advocate-1415/) - GRASS AND SILVER CARP FARM IN TAUPO I attended a meeting in Taupo Monday 16th November ( at the Destination Great Lake Taupo site to explain the proposal for a Carp farm. It was a very professional presentation. It seemed to answer all the questions re benefit to the area, economic viability, security and protection - [Advocate 13/15](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2015/10/advocate-1315/) - Is there another battle with trout farming ahead of us? From time to time the issue of Trout Farming arises. I remember the issue being raised in the 1960's creating a political storm resulting in the Hon Duncan McIntyre losing his parliamentary seat. The issue arose again probably 20 years ago. I attended a public - [Advocate 12/15](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2015/09/advocate-1215/) - Ian Rodger of NZFFA found this quote by Henry David Thoreau: "Many go fishing all their lives without realising that its not about the fish." I have just finished reading Vice Admiral Harold Hickling's 1965 book. Sailor at Sea, about his service life in the Royal Navy including the two World Wars. He refers to - [Advocate11/15](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2015/09/advocate1115/) - We have had heavy rain overnight judging by the " lake" that has formed on my property in Turangi. An email from Bay of Plenty Civil Defence advises of heavy rain forecast for Waikato and western Bay of Plenty today. I think it is of little account for Turangi but this could be a dangerous - [Advocate 10/15](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2015/07/advocate-1015/) - I finally bought my annual Taupo Fishing License today. You may have noticed that you can purchase your license on line from the left hand column of our (Advocates) home page. Just click HERE and the pages open easily. I did have a problem with entering my email address for communication with DOC which I could do - [Advocate 9/15](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2015/06/advocate-915/) - The Fishery July 1. New License required, A new fishing season requires a new license. Taupo licenses must be bought on line with the exception of the 34 hour license. Instructions from DOC to order your license are on the Home Page of our website. I have copied it here as well. Those wanting to get - [Advocate 8/15](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2015/06/advocate-815/) - There were 3 key events in the last week. Queen;s Birthday weekend brought a few more anglers to the river. It has been fairly quiet. The second event was the closing of the Major Jones carpark and access to the Major Jones Bridge to allow the removal of the large Radiata Pine dangerously hanging out - [Advocate 7/15](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2015/05/advocate-715/) - I have a very brief report consisting of weather and fishing. The weather for the past 7 days has been varied. A beautiful day today and last Saturday. The frosts have started with -4 this morning and lesser frosts earlier in the week. It is already -3 as I write this report. The Kaimanawa tops - [Advocate 6/15](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2015/05/advocate-615/) - Weather has dominated the river week. As I completed Advocate 5/15 the rain started (Wellington's flood weekend) and Friday saw the river rise again in another small flood reaching 305 (cubic meters per second) cumecs. A river of the size fills the river from bank to bank as in these photos looking North and South - [Advocate 5/15](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2015/05/advocate-515/) - Climate It is Autumn, not winter but there have been signs of the winter to come with intrusions of the summer that is passing. We have had some lovely days, cool (not frosty) mornings followed by jersey free days. But there has been rain. We have had two small floods in the past month as shown in - [Advocate 4/15](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2015/04/advocate-415/) - ANNUAL MEETING From the Annual Meeting we were pleased to appoint Gary Brown as President. Gary has fished the Tongariro for more than 50 years and has a strong attachment to the river and the fishery it has. Gary is resident in New Plymouth. He has been our liaison with  Simon Stewart, our PhD food - [Advocate 3/15](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2015/04/advocate-315/) - We had a taste of winter 2015 this week. Good heavy rain early on followed by a snowfall and first frost of winter. The micro climates mean that some parts of the Turangi environment have had earlier frosts. But Tuesday morning saw Pihanga and the Kaimanawas with a coating of snow that didn't last long - [Advocate 2/15](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2015/03/advocate-215/) - Administrative matters Thank you to all who have paid subs and made donations so promptly. As secretary receiving the mail, both internet and physical it is appreciated. It is timely to also record my appreciation to those who have advised me of change of address, email address. Please regard the email acknowledgement of payment as - [Advocate 1/15](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2015/02/advocate-115/) - Happy New Year and I am pleased to be optimistic about the fishing in 2015. Though I am the secretary of AFTR (John Toogood is Treasurer), the points made and decisions to write about topics are mine and not those of the AFTR. On the river There have been two issues. They are the Waikato - [Advocate 19/14](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2014/12/advocate-1914/) - I had the pleasure to attend the opening of the Whio hardening facility at the National Trout Centre on behalf of the Advocates For the Tongariro River. I have always been fascinated by these birds on the river. At dusk it is common to hear one or a pair of birds flying just above head - [advocate 17/14](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2014/11/advocate-1714/) - Advocates Activity Since my last blog some time ago, I have spoken to the Finance Committee of Waikato Regional Council (WRC) in Hamilton, attended a meeting of the Taupo Fishing Advisory Committee (TFAC), a meeting of the WRC Taupo Liasion Zone Committee of which I am a member and spoken to Lakes and Waterways Action - [Advocate 16/14](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2014/09/advocate-1614/) - Fishing Report I accompanied Richard Kemp our representative to the Taupo Fishing Advisory Committee (TFAC) meeting on Tuesday night.The meeting discussed issues concerning the fishery but I have chosen to copy the DOC monitoring report for you to read. For me, I have found the fishing hard and I have fished a little more than - [Advocate 15/14](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2014/08/advocate-1514/) - It is Tuesday 26.8/14  and I have still to go fishing after a fortnight away but I have attended the Waikato Regional Council meeting in Turangi today to discuss the annual plan of work on the Tongariro River. The work plan is on our website and was emailed to members. The works are a result - [Advocate 14/14](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2014/08/advocate-1414/) - Database upgrade Our upgrade is complete. I sent an email to all financial members as a trial. I attached the Waikato Regional Council Tongariro River Plan of work for consideration which will be discussed on the 26th August. The document is available from the following link Tongariro River Works Plan 2014-2015 and in our Library - [Advocate 13/14](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2014/08/advocate-1314/) - Recently I sent out a reminder for payment of subscriptions. That exercise caused me to ask for an update to our membership database. This is a behind the scenes activity important to the well being of the Advocates. Mike Forret of i-concept, is making the job of maintaing and using the database so much better. - [Advocate 12/14](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2014/07/advocate-1214/) - DIDYMO I have placed on our website these three articles on Didymo. On our website they are to be found in Key documents But first some key points to consider:  Biosecurity is the responsibility of the Ministry of Primary Industries (PMI) DOC has a contract with MPI to get the Didymo message to the public - [Advocate 11/14](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2014/07/advocate-1114/) - Winter is here. Outside at 5.00pm tonight it is 4 degrees. Snow is on both the Kaimanawas and on Pihanga. It has been wet but relatively calm. DOC Fishing Licences went online today The DOC website is not easy to find your way around but Taupo Licenses are available on line as from today. - [Advocate 10/14](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2014/06/advocate-1014/) - It has been a damp week. It did not affect river flow until last night. River level is normally 22-23 cubic meters per second (cumecs) measured at the flying fox in Turangi. Last nights rain increased the flow to 37.2 and is now receding and at 11.00am today is at 36.7 cumecs. It is a - [Advocate 9/2014](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2014/06/advocate-92014/) - There is not a lot to report. I have been around the river and find it very quiet. I caught a fish on Thursday and Friday of last week and haven't had a touch since only fishing alternate days. There are few  anglers about during the week with most car parks empty. Downstream from the - [Advocate 8/2014](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2014/06/advocate-82014/) - Fishing observation and experience Two things have been evident to me. One is that there have been few fish caught or I have not seen many anglers with fish. The second is the absence of anglers. I have caught fish on enough occasions to keep me trying. It was a pleasure to meet up with - [Advocate 7/2014](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2014/06/advocate-72014/) - The AGM The Advocates For The Tongariro River Annual Meting was held last Saturday. Tribute was paid to Mark Cosgrove who has stepped down. Mark was the key player in creating the Advocates in 2002. The 1995 and 1996 Mt Ruapehu eruptions were a decisive factor in creating the society due to the huge volume - [Advocate 6/2014](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2014/05/advocate-62014/) - All Quiet on the Tongariro River Given the absence of other matters on which to report I am left to comment on the fishing. The weather is again a key factor in the fishing. We had frosts of -5 Monday to Wednesday and then a warm (by comparison) 4 this morning. Towards evening and as - [Advocate 5/2014](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2014/05/advocate-52014/) - I have little to report from this week. A reminder of our Annual meeting on Saturday 31 May at the Bridge Lodge. The fishing has been hard. A few fish have been caught but they are few and far between. It's not surprising that there are few anglers around. Lake Taupo lake level remains low. - [Advocate 4/2014](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2014/05/advocate-42014/) - The most noticeable matter re the Tongariro River and its catchment is how quiet it is with very few anglers about. It's not because there are no fish in the river for there are. It's not because the fish are disappointing for quality and size for they are of good size and quality. It's not - [Advocate 2014/2](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2014/04/advocate-20142/) - I have been busy dealing with subscriptions. I appreciate the support we get from our members in payment of membership subscriptions and in the donations made. Thank you. This is the busy time for collecting subs and it is great to get this task out of the way. As a member it is so easy - [Thursday Update 12/30](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/10/thursday-update-1230/) - Tongariro River Trail (TRT) is open. On Saturday 20th October the TRT was opened. It was low key, fine but very cold, short and fun. Know the difference My apology. I have referred to DOC incorrectly in the past. Department of Conservation is DOC Department of Corrections is DoC Fishing Report We are now experiencing - [The Advocate 2014/1](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2014/03/the-advocate-20141/) - I have not written for some time. I had the occasion to go to England for 3 months and spent 3 months in Oxford and enjoyed the most peaceful holiday I have had. I have found it hard to pick up the pieces again on my return but feel acclimatised to pick up now. I - [The Advocate 2013/11](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2013/08/the-advocate-201311/) - Change at DOC September 2 is the magic day for staff changes due to the restructuring. For me it is a sad day as it has taken time to build a good working relationship with the Turangi staff. Change by its nature takes time to show jts effects and I will just have to wait - [The Advocate 2013/10](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2013/08/the-advocate-201310/) - Fishing Report The long awaited rain has not eventuated. We have had showers but they have made no impact on river flows. There are fish in the river. Anglers are catching fish. There is a concentration of anglers at the Bridge Pool with up to 14 at a time. My observations are that there is - [The Advocate 2013/9](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2013/07/the-advocate-20139/) - It has been a quiet year but I now have a number of issues to bring to your attention. This afternoon the long awaited review of the Taupo Sports Fishery: EXPLORING FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE TAUPO FISHERY was released. Nick Smith 30 July, 2013 Report released to grow Taupo sports fishery A report which identifies - [The Advocate 2013/8](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2013/07/the-advocate-20138/) - Two matters have been brought to my attention this week. The Fresh Water Action Plan and angler behaviour. Fresh Water Action Plan I have appreciated receiving this statement from EDS. The Advocates committee has followed with interest the development of this plan. Media Release: EDS welcomes first stage of freshwater action plan The Environmental Defence Society - [The Advocate 2013/7 ](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2013/06/the-advocate-20137/) - At mid day, today in Turangi, it is 3 degrees and overcast. It did manage 5 degrees later in the day. The previous two days have been beautiful clear days but again the thermometer struggled to reach 5 degrees during the day. It's cold. My Fishing observations. There are a few more anglers around and - [The Advocate 2013/5](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2013/06/the-advocate-20135/) - Weather and Fishing Since last writing the week has been dominated by the weather. Rain and cold. We have had 85mm (approx 3.5 inches) of rain which normally is significant. The long drought and resulting dry ground has meant that heavy rainfall is soaked up and not running off as we would expect. This has - [The Advocate 2013/4](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2013/06/the-advocate-20134/) - Its quiet in many ways on the Tongariro River but things are quietly happening. Waikato Regional Council activity is qiiet. There has been no meeting of the Tongariro River Forum this year. Angling is picking up but it is still early days. Thank you to those who have paid thei subscriptions or have joined us. - [The Advocate](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2013/05/the-advocate/) - Dear Advocate members and interested readers. It has been a while since I brought you up to date with matters affecting the river and is catchment. On Fishing I know that there are fish in the river and those that have caught fish are pleased with the quality of the fish. Unfortunately for me I - [AFTR Update ](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2013/03/aftr-update/) - Notice of Annual General Meeting The Eleventh Annual General Meeting of the Advocates for the Tongariro River Inc. will be held at the Tongariro Bridge Lodge on Saturday 30th March  2013 at 10.30am. All welcome. The meeting will be followed by Morning Tea.  AGENDA The business of the Annual General Meeting will be to: record - [AFTR Update 2013/1](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2013/02/aftr-update-20131/) - It is 3 months since I last wrote. It doesn't seem that long ago to me. Today I posted the Advocates 2012 report and felt it necessary to write again. The luxury for pensioners is that we should not feel pressure to meet deadlines but deadlines are a means of getting things done. I am - [Thursday 12/32](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/11/thursday-1232/) - Fishing There is still a lot of activity on the river with numbers of anglers enjoying spring fishing. The eruption on Mt Tongariro led to Genesis closing the Rangipo underground power station which saw a slight increase in river levels which normally bring fish up the river. Round Taupo Cycle Ride This annual event is - [Thursday Update 12/31](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/11/thursday-update-1231/) - Fishing Report The fishing is still good but there are very few anglers enjoying the experience. We knew that the runs are getting later and the proof this year is that the runs are very late. I hav enjoyed wandering the river bank observing the trout both Rainbow and Brown in numbers in the river. - [Thursday Update 12/29](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/10/thursday-update-1229/) - Fishing Report The river is taking its time to come bck to normal flow of 23 cms (cubic meters per second) at Turangi. The higher flow has been brought about by saturated ground in the catchment. The benefit of the higher flow is that it has coincided with what seems to me, the main run - [Thursday Update 12/28](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/09/thursday-update-1228/) - Fishing Report. The 320 cumec flood experienced early in the week has resulted in excellent fishing this week. Local angler, Royden Thorburn, had excellent fishing on Wednesday afternoon landing 10 fish. from the lower river area. He told me that all were good fish ( I can't argue with a man who has enjoyed a - [Thursday Update 12/27](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/09/thursday-update-1227/) - Fishing Report. 1. There are few anglers about during the week. In the last week we have had a small flood and cold weather. The Desert Road has been closed overnight, Monday and Tuesday but today was a great day. A -5 frost followed by a beautiful sunny day. There is a new moon in - [Thursday Update 12/26](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/08/thursday-update-1226/) - Fishing Report I have taken a break from reporting, as I felt I was becoming negative. I am now happy to report that the situation has significantly improved. I have caught good fish lately and averaging 3lb (too old to have adjusted totally to metric but 3lb (pound) is 1.4kg). The fish are biting which - [Thursday Update 12/25](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/08/thursday-update-1225/) - Tongariro Eruption I was woken by Mt Tongariro erupting 11.50pm Monday 6th August. There was a clear night and from my home we could see the ash cloud forming and shafts of light being thrown out of the crater. We could only see what was showing above Pihanga and for about 30 minutes it was - [Thursday Update 12/24](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/08/thursday-update-1224/) - Fishing Report I've not had much success with my fishing this season. I can't recall when I last caught a fish. I went to the lower river on Sunday afternoon. There was no other car in the car park at the Bain Pool. This should be peak season but the lack of anglers is evidence - [Thursday Update 12/23](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/07/thursday-update-1223/) - The Flood of 16th July 2012. A 600 cumecs flood is a significant flood. Statistically, a flood of this size is scheduled every 5 years. The flood of 2004, at 1400cms, and the slightly bigger flood of 1958, are 100 year events. There is a lot of energy in a 600cms flood and it has - [Thursday Update 12/22](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/07/thursday-update-1222/) - Tongariro River Trail It has been an exciting week watching the progress of the trail. The section linking the Waikari Loop track to the Tongariro National Trout Centre should be completed this time next week. There is probably another two weeks of track finishing work to complete our section of work. The Department of Conservation - [Thursday Update 12/21](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/07/thursday-update-1221/) - Fishing Report I have fished the Tongariro river for the last 35 years and have never seen the river so quiet in July. The car parks are virtually empty. We should be heading into the best time for fishing. Why are the anglers not here? There are some fish in the river. The weather is - [Thursday Update 12/20](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/06/thursday-update-1220/) - Fishing Report Despite cold wintry weather, high rainfall, the fishing remains hard. Some fish are being caught but not in the numbers we would expect at this time of the year. I like to think the new season will see an improvement in the fishing. New Fishing Season -New license required This Sunday is July - [Thursday 12/19](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/06/thursday-1219/) - Fishing Report Little action through last weekend. Monday afternoon the rain started and it was heavy rain.We had 54.2mm of rain through to today Thursday 21 June. This brought about a small flood of 58cms (up from a normal 22cms) The last 7 days river flow provided by Genesis Energy. The river cleared quickly. There - [Thursday Update 12/18](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/06/thursday-update-1218/) - Fishing Report It's still quiet on the river. There are hardly any anglers around. I received the Turangi Chronicle on Friday after posting my blog on line last Thursday. A story with photo showed a very nicely shaped and good size trout trapped by DoC at the Waipa trap. The photo shows that good fish - [Thursday Update 12/17](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/06/thursday-update-1217/) - It has been another busy week dominated by the Tongariro River Trail construction. On a national level there was an interview of Dr Jan Wright, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, by Chris Laidlaw on National radio last Sunday morning. It dealt with the recently released report titled Hydroelectricity or wild rivers, climate change versus natural - [Thursday Update 12/16](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/05/thursday-update-1216/) - Winter is making its presence felt. Since last Thursday there has been rain followed by a high pressure system which has brought frosts followed by beautiful days. There are still a few lingering leaves to fall off deciduous trees to finish autumn. It has been a busy week with Waikato Regional Council having a field - [Thursday Update 12/15](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/05/thursday-update-1215/) - The week has been dominated by a High Pressure system which has brought -5 temperatures followed by beautiful days. Blessing to start work on the Tongariro River Trail This occurred at the Red Hut car park 8.00 am on Friday morning, We thank Jeffrey Bennett, Kaumatua of Ngati Turangitukua for the ceremony on a very - [Thursday Update 12/14](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/05/thursday-update-1214/) - THE TONGARIRO RIVER TRAIL At last, we have an announcement to make on the Tongariro River Trail. Work on completing the loop from the Red Hut Bridge back to Turangi is about to commence. This will be a community asset, driven by the Advocates For The Tongariro River. It will complete a loop of 20 - [Thursday Update 12/13](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/05/thursday-update-1213/) - Lagarosiphon major. Oxygen weed. THIS IS A NATIONWIDE BANNED PEST PLANT. ITS ILLEGAL TO POSSESS OR COLLECT IT. In 1966 Lagarosiphon was first found in the Northern part of Lake Taupo. Within 2 years it had spread around the Lake to the detriment of native aquatic plants. Lake Kuratau was important as a lake with - [Thursday Update 12/10](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/05/thursday-update-1210/) - Website Our new website is like a kitset house. The framework has been established, and while close to finished there is some tinkering still to do as we fit the contents. I express my appreciation to Committee members, who raised the need to upgrade our website, and to Sylvia Smith as the catalyst to provide - [Thursday Update 12/9](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/04/thursday-update-129/) - The Annual Meeting At the AGM Tony Charlton and Jeffrey Bennett were elected to our Committee. Both are Turangi residents. Tony has worked in Wellington Real Estate and brings business experience to our committee. Jeffrey had an illustrious career in management with NZ Post before returning home and taking a leading role in Ngati Turangitukua. - [Thursday Update 12/8](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/04/thursday-update-128/) - Pools of the river Island Pool, Judges Pool to the Lonely Pool. A canoe trip from Judges Pool to the Delta Last Friday, 30th March, I canoed from Judges Pool to the Delta. It was my first trip in this canoe and I didn't chance taking my camera for fear of tipping out. The river - [Thursday Update 12/7](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/03/thursday-update-127/) - The River Pools. Kamahi to the Island Pool The Kamahi has a beautiful setting with native bush surrounding the pool. The beach is sandy on the upper terrace, but stony on the lower terrace where this photo is taken, and a great spot for a family picnic. It is also a favourite haunt of the - [Tursday Update 12/7](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/03/tursday-update-127/) - Weather It is autumn and the battle between summer holding out for a longer spell and winter making an early advance has been intense this week. The week had both seasons. Autumn is usually the loveliest season because of temperatures, dryness, colour and fruit. We had a beautiful warm weekend but Monday struggled to make - [Thursday Update 12/6](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/03/thursday-update-126/) - Reminder Annual meeting is at the Bridge Lodge, Easter Saturday, 10.00am. All welcome. Member get member prize will be drawn at the annual meeting. Fishing Report This is a new sign on the river. I would have thought we all knew this but apparently not. I walked a reasonable distance along the river over the - [Thursday Update 12/5](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/03/thursday-update-125/) - Administration The 2011 Annual Report and 2012 subscription form was posted on 5th March The Annual meeting at 10.00am, Bridge Lodge is on 7th April, Easter Saturday The draw for the Member get Member prize will be drawn at the annual meeting Didymo Last Sunday, March 4 the following Insight programme was aired on Chris - [Thursday Update 12/4](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/03/thursday-update-124/) - River Work. Mechanical clearance of willows on the left bank was completed this afternoon. The last task of the digger was to open a small additional channel into the Hirangi Arm. Spraying of willow regrowth, Blackberry, Broom and other woody vegetation continues. When the Willow was felled there was rapid regrowth. The idea is to - [Thursday Update 12/1](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/02/thursday-update-121/) - I have taken a longer break than I intended in writing this report. Summer is often a quiet time on the river with few anglers to be seen. It is however a time when dry fly anglers gain much enjoyment fishing in warmer weather than the cold of winter. It can also be very productive. - [Thursday Update 12/2](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/02/thursday-update-122/) - Last Thursday I checked out the Blue, Sand, Whitikau and Fence Pools on a very hot summer's day. The river here has undergone minor changes but each is different to what it was last year. The pool that interested me most was the Whitikau pool which looks easy to fish and should hold fish for - [Thursday Update 12/3](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2012/02/thursday-update-123/) - Death of an Angler The week since my last post was marked by the death of an angler in the Tongariro River. Mike Watson, reporter for the Dominion Post wrote on Thursday 23rd February " An angler, whose body was found in the Tongariro River, was a British writer who travelled the world chasing fishing - [Thursday Update #27](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/12/thursday-update-27/) - Christmas In The Vines We have a vested interest in the success of this venture as we are one of the three recipients of profits. The weather is creating some anxiety. I received the following email this morning: Some of you in the area may have noticed a little bit of wet weather, as I - [Thursday Update #26](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/12/thursday-update-26/) - Christmas in the Vines Vine Aid Christmas in the Vines 18th December 2011 2pm – 8pm Vine Aid Poster (940kb pdf) (Please download and print) Following on from our inaugural Vine Aid earlier on in the year we are going to hold a regular event in December each year, Vine Aid Christmas in the Vines! - [Thursday Update #25](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/11/thursday-update-25/) - The Walking Cycling Trail We have persevered with the development of the Tongariro River Trail. We have spoken with Turangitukua and have sought their support. We are awaiting their decision. We decided to complete the section linking Turangi to the Red Hut bridge. We have received a grant of $50,000 from Taupo District Council and - [Thursday Update #24](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/11/thursday-update-24/) - River Works There is no evidence of work having started from where the previous willow clearance had finished. There was one lone angler fishing the tail of the Log Pool. The issue of the river from the State Highway 1 bridge to the Delta. Graeme Smart, NIWA Scientist, has written a number of studies on - [Thursday Update #23](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/11/thursday-update-23/) - Genesis Community consultation meeting 35 year consents for the Tongariro Power Scheme (TPS) now in place. The Genesis consultation meeting was held Tuesday 8th November. I, Mark Cosgrove and Virginia Church attended on bealf of the committee. We learnt that the Tongariro Power Scheme (TPS) consents have been granted for 35 years. Relationship agreements were - [Thursday Update #22](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/10/thursday-update-22/) - Bacterial infection of lamprey and fish in the South Island - Advisory 1 Purpose The following short document is to provide you with up to date information on the bacterial infection that has been found in lamprey/kanakana and trout in Southland and Otago. Some of you may be in regular contact with MAF on this - [Thursday Update #21](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/10/thursday-update-21/) - Blue Duck (Whio) Report I received two reports on the Blue Duck family in the vicinity of the Birches (Major Jones) swing bridge. The first report was of a parent with 6 ducklings during last weekend. The second report was yesterday which reported the mother and two ducklings were sighted and photographed. It is fantastic - [Thursday Update #20](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/10/thursday-update-20/) - Brown Trout: Are They a cause for the later runs of the rainbow Trout? An interesting idea caught my attention in a list of possible causes for the later runs of rainbow trout in the Tongariro river. Michel Dedual spoke to the Taupo Fishing Advisory Committee on Monday night to update the group on what - [Thursday Update #19](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/10/thursday-update-19/) - A boost for the Tongariro River Trail The Turangi/Tongariro Community Board has made a grant of $50,000 to the Advocates for the River Trail. The grant is a result of our submission to the Taupo District Council Annual Plan last May. Our submission was well received by Taupo District Council but the process is that - [Thursday Update #18](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/10/thursday-update-18-2/) - Flood It rained on Sunday and Monday, with a deluge and thunderstorm on Monday night. There was 65mm of rain over the two day period. Tongariro at Turangi - River-flow  The river flooded and on Tuesday was unfishable. The river rose from 24 cms to 265 cms. It was a welcome event cleaning the - [Thursday Update #17](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/09/thursday-update-17/) - Fishing Report I have fished only once since last Thursday. Irish brothers Mathew and Paul Campbell fished with me on Friday. We hooked fish but didn't land any. The Rugby World Cup has seen a number of anglers tempting their arm on the Tongariro, some successfully, some not. I had occasion to meet a member - [Thursday update #16](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/09/thursday-update-16-2/) - Fishing Report The Bridge Pool continues to be one of the most popular and productive pools on the river. There were 5 anglers nymphing the pool yesterday around 2 pm when I crossed the bridge. It's a great vantage point for spectators who can, with polaroid glasses, see where the fish are and watch trout - [Thursday Update #15](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/09/thursday-update-15/) - DoC presence in Turangi to be reduced I am personally upset at learning about the changes to the DoC structure and the idea that the administration of the Tongariro, Whanganui, Taranaki Conservancy is to be based in Taupo. The Turangi office will be downgraded along wuth the Whanganui and New Plymouth offices.  I am a - [Thursday Update #14](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/09/thursday-update-14/) - Fishing Report On Monday I met Dr Peter Williams to discuss riverbank weeds. Peter was on his pilgrimage from the South Island to fish the Tongariro. He reported a grim experience compared with his experiences over previous years. He had caught two fish over 5 full on days. He reported that, compared with some others, - [Thursday Update #13](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/09/thursday-update-13/) -  Fishing Report I 've only fished a couple of times this week and only a couple of fish for my efforts. They were quite nice fish, certainly worth taking home. On Wednesday an angler in the Breakfast Pool landed 3 fish in about 30 minutes much to the interest of the community workers working on - [Thursday Update #12](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/08/thursday-update-12/) - Sediment discussion with Genesis Friday 19th August was very cold. The Desert Road was closed in the morning and the road off the Desert Road down to the Rangipo Dam was treacherous. The field trip to the Dam and Underground Power Station was called off and will br rescheduled for later in the year. Instead - [Thursday Update #11](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/08/thursday-update-11/) - Breakfast Pool area planting A big thank you to the team of locals who turned up on Wednesday to plant this area, an area of approx 2.5 hectares. The team was assisted by a willing team of community workers. The next photo shows the area to be planted as presented in our application for funds - [Thursday Update #10](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/08/thursday-update-10/) - Didymo Photo supplied by Robert Brace Didymo remains a big issue for us. Rather I should say keeping Didymo out of the North Island, out of the Taupo fishery, out of the Tongariro. A key is understanding Didymo. Selwyn Hodder, secreatry of NZFWA sends out electronic copy of newsletters from Angling groups around the country. - [Thursday Update #9](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/07/thursday-update-9/) - Getting it right. A number of members have not received advice of Updates. This has happened as a result of too many emails being sent in a batch from our database. If you have not received emails advising Updates, my apology. We will send out emails in smaller batches to resolve the problem. If you - [Thursday Update #8](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/07/thursday-update-8/) - Thank You A pleasing factor in doing these reports is that I get instant feedback. The website was envisaged as a repository of key material (a library). The Updates have arisen as a result of a change in emphasis for the Advocates to give readers a more up todate view of what is actually happening. - [THURSDAY UPDATE #6](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/07/thursday-update-6/) - Thanks Glenn Glenn Maclean left the DoC fishery team in the last 6 weeks. The Advocates have appreciated Glenn's willingness to talk with us on matters concerning the fishery. He had built up a large knowledge of the fishery. Such institutional knowledge is hard to replace. Thank you Glenn. Silt and Sand in the river - [Thursday Update #7](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/07/thursday-update-7-2/) - WEATHER The week has been dominated by persistent rainfall. Genesis Energy posts rainfall information and we have the link on our website, front page. A good look at the graph reveals much about what is happening here as does the Weather url for the NZ met service. Taupo and Taumarunui have data recorded and we - [AFTR Thursday Update #1](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/06/aftr-thursday-update-1/) - Mark Cosgrove and I attended the latest meeting of the Tongariro River Forum on Tuesday. The Forum has its origins in Project Watershed (Stopbank project) and an associated consent condition had a requirement for community consultation. The forum has been in existence since 2004. At Tuesday"s meeting we learned that the gravel extraction consent has - [Thursday Update #2](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/06/thursday-update-2/) - The Genesis Energy Freshwater Aquarium I recommend a visit to the National Trout Centre facilities and in particular The Genesis Energy Freshwater Aquarium. The Hatchery complex is in a beautiful setting with its indigenous vegetation, the beauty of the river and the well developed museum complex. The aquarium adds to the interest with an excellent - [Thursday update #3](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/06/thursday-update-3/) - The state of the river from SH1 bridge to the Delta mouth. Some of the committee rafted down river on the 12th March 2011 and found the river to be in good condition for most of this length. There is an area of less than 1km leading to deLautours Pool that needs attention and there - [Thursday Update #5](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/06/thursday-update-5/) - River sediment In the last two updates I have written about a sand and sediment build up. I have today spoken with Genesis staff notifying them of the problem. I will meet with their Hydrologist tomorrow and then with others next week. We have enjoyed a good relationship with local Genesis staff and I hope - [Thursday Update #4](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/06/thursday-update-4/) - River Management The Waikato Regional Council (WRC and previously Environment Waikato is working to clear the Hirangi Arm. This is the water that breaks from the main stream in the area of the Swirl Pool abd flows under normal conditios as a small stream before re entering the main stream of the river on the - [Tongariro River News](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/05/tongariro-river-news/) - Gravel Extraction The issue of gravel extraction has been resolved. The decision of the commissioners is that the application to extract gravel be granted. There are conditions but these do not include an Integrated Catchment Management Plan. The full decision will be placed in Archives on this website over the weekend. The Fishery Hopefully todays - [Events 2011](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2011/03/events-2011/) - We were saddened to learn of the death of RM (Bob) McDowall earlier this year. Bob was an eminent freshwater fish scientist. We had the pleasure of having Bob speak to us, Labour weekend 2008, about the fishery we deemed a problem with fish numbers, size and quality. Bob had great knowledge of freshwater fish - [Tongariro River Gravel Extraction Consent](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2010/12/781/) - 7.12.10 There has been much interest in the Advocates position on the Gravel extraction consent which has been applied for by Environment Waikato. Turangi experienced a 1 in 100 year flood in February 2004. The flood of 1958 was slightly larger and caused much damage within the river environment. Should another flood the size of - [Observations ](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2010/09/observations/) - The Advocates posted a questionnaire with Newsletter Number 14. We had a most acceptable return encouraging both in terms of response and affirming our strategic direction and focus. President, Stuart Crosbie, will publish the results in the next newsletter. Thanks to all who took time to complete the questionnaire and send it to us. The - [The message must be Check Clean Dry](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2010/05/the-message-must-be-check-clean-dry/) - At our annual Meeting Dave Cade (Didymo Dave) of DoC spoke passionately to us about the need to protect the Taupo waters from Didymo and the need to CHECK< CLEAN. DRY. The Didymo threat has passed from front page news to infrequent small reports about the advance of Didymo. Dave's message is that a waterway - [Changing of the guard](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2010/04/changing-of-the-guard/) - At the eight annual meeting held on Easter Sunday 4th April Dr Stuart Crosbie was confirmed as the new President. I copy Stuart's acceptance speech directly into this editorial. Thanks Richard (Richard Kemp was Chairperson for the Annual Meeting) for your words of encouragement and for continuing in your long-serving role as Vice-President in which - [AFTR Activity](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2010/02/aftr-activity/) - For many Advocate members the single interest in the river is the fishery. The Department of Conservation fishery management keeps year license holder updated through Target Taupo. Some license holders may not have received the December 09 copy through a change in the distribution of the magazine. License holders are advised at the bottom of - [Website refreshed](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2010/01/website-refreshed/) - We thank Mike Forret of iConcept for the energy and time he has put into revitalising our website. The whole site have been updated and some sections have been reorganised. The Photos section of the site has been restructured and it will take some time to update all of the collections. We are always interested ## Pages - [Home](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/) - #slideset6 { display:block; height: 400px; } #slideset6 > * {animation: 30s autoplay6 infinite linear; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; opacity: 0.0} @keyframes autoplay6 { 0% {opacity: 0.0} 1.7% {opacity: 1.0} 17.7% {opacity: 1.0} 19.4% {opacity: 0.0} 100% {opacity: 0.0} } #slideset6 > *:nth-child(1) {animation-delay: 0s} #slideset6 > *:nth-child(2) {animation-delay: 5s} #slideset6 > *:nth-child(3) {animation-delay: - [Advocates Committee](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/about-us/advocates-committee/) - Advocates for the Tongariro River Committee Gary Brown Immediate Past Chair Gary’s family has an association that has lasted over a half century with the Lake Taupo fishery and he has had a life-long interest in hunting and fishing. Gary’s prime focus as a committee member is therefore the state of the fishery and monitoring - [Key documents](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/library-overview/key-documents/) - Key Documents Key documents relating to the Tongariro River and its catchment are provided here in pdf format to view, download, or print. Flood Risk and River Management WRC Tongariro flood protection scheme review 2017 The Tongariro River Flood Protection Scheme was designed and constructed during 2004-2007. The intention of the scheme is to provide - [Join New](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/join-the-advocates/) - Membership form to join the Advocates for the Tongariro River and information about the types of membership available. - [Join Us](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/join-the-advocates-old/) - Membership form to join the Advocates for the Tongariro River and information about the types of membership available. - [Lake Level and River Flow](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-overview/lake-level-and-river-flow/) - Lake Level and River Flow Before 1941 Up until 1941, Lake Taupo was a natural lake, this changed when control gates were installed at the head of the Waikato River which is the only exit from Lake Taupo. The Waikato River was to become a river for hydro power generation. This was done by - [Annual reports](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/library-overview/annual-reports/) - Annual Reports Advocates for the Tongariro River Annual Reports are available here in pdf format to to view, download, or print. AFTR-annual-report-2024 AFTR-annual-report-2023 Advocates-Annual-Report-2022 2021 Annual Report 2020 Annual Report 2019 Annual Report 2018 Annual Report 2017 Annual Report 2016 Annual Report 2015 Annual Report 2014 Annual Report 2013 Annual Report 2012 Annual Report 2011 - [Tongariro River Trail](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-overview/river-access-overview/tongariro-river-trail/) - Tongariro River Trail Historical Background In the 1920’s the Tongariro River gained international status when American author and fisherman Zane Grey paid the area three visits writing his best-selling book The Anglers El Dorado. This along with a visit by the Queen Mother in 1928 to fish the Tongariro River sealed the rivers reputation as - [Lake Taupo Food Web Study](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-overview/lake-taupo-food-web-study/) - Lake Taupo Food Web Study The Lake Taupo fishery declined substantially during 2010—2012This had a major bearing on the local Taupo economy & some reports indicated an economic decline of up to 30% - largely due to the poor quality & quantity of trout harvested in the Taupo fishery. Advocates for the Tongariro approached freshwater - [Land Use](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-overview/environs-restoration-overview/land-use/) - Part of the Advocates vision of returning the Tongariro River corridor to its natural state is the control and removal of exotic pests such as wilding pines. - [Wilding pines](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-overview/environs-restoration-overview/wilding-pines/) - Part of the Advocates vision of returning the Tongariro River corridor to its natural state is the control and removal of exotic pests such as wilding pines. - [Aquatic Pests](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-overview/aquatic-pests/) - Aquatic Pests Didymo Lake Snow Hornwort Egeria Densa Curly Oxygen Weed Canadian Pond Weed Mexican Water Lily Senegal Tea Bullhead Catfish Koi Carp Mosquito Fish Didymo Didymo (Didymosphenia geminata), commonly known as Rock Snot, is a diatom that produces nuisance growths in freshwater rivers and streams that have low water temperatures and low nutrient levels. - [Other Stakeholders](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/about-us/stakeholders/) - The Advocates for the Tongariro River work with tangata whenua and a range of stakeholders to protect and advocate for the river and its catchment area. - [Constitution & Certificate of Incorporation](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/about-us/constitution-certificate-of-incorporation/) - Certificate of Incorporated Society Certificate of Incorporation of Incorporated Society 2022 Constitution June 2024 Constitution June 2024 - [Mike test page](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/mikes-test-page/) - [River Access Overview](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-overview/river-access-overview/) - River Access Overview - [Environs Restoration Overview](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-overview/environs-restoration-overview/) - River Environs Restoration One of the Advocates for the Tongariro River's goals is to facilitate restoration of the river margin and continue with planting programmes and pest plant eradication in accordance with the Tongariro River Environs Flora Management Plan. The pages in this section - River Environs - describe the Advocates' river restoration projects. Wilding - [Issues Overview](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-overview/) - The Advocates for the Tongariro River have identified a range of issues affecting the management and protection of the Tongariro River and its catchment area. - [Presentations](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/library-overview/presentations/) - Presentations From time to time presentations regarding issues of interest and importance to the Tongariro River and in its catchment are made by invited speakers or in other situations and, where possible, these are made available here. Environment Hearing March 2023 Presentation to WRC April 2011 Glenn Maclean May 2009 David Hamilton Oct 2009 Paul - [Library Overview](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/library-overview/) - The Advocates for the Tongariro River maintain archives of annual reports, newsletters, strategic plan, key documents, presentations, and website editorials. - [About Us](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/about-us/) - Mission statement and guiding principles of the Advocates for the Tongariro River. - [Environment Committee Hearing March 2023](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/library-overview/presentations/environment-committee-hearing-march-2023/) - Environment Committee Hearing March 2023 Submission to the Environment Committee Hearing - Wednesday 1 March 2023 - by Carl Bergstrom on behalf of the Advocates for the Tongariro River. https://tongariroriver.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Carl-Bergstrom-Env-Cmtte-010323.mp4 - [Fishing Reports](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-overview/winter-fishing-2020/) - Fishing Report 2022 The 2022 year .From all accounts 2022 was an excellent year for anglers. The summer fishing at the river mouths and in the lake proved very successful. In the rivers ,the trout were in good numbers and the runs up the Tongariro and the other rivers running into Lake Taupō were consistently good - [Blog](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/blog/) - February 3, 2022 Advocate 22/1 Despite the pandemic we had a good fishing experience (when able to fish) in 2021 and look forward to a continuation of good fishing this year. Signs look good. We have had a month long dry spell and I am mindful that we often have a flood at this time - [Donation](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/donation/) - Make a Donation Help us protect the future health of the Tongariro River and its environment. Make a Donation $NZ Name* Email* Donate Your payment is tax deductible as the Advocates for the Tongariro River are registered with the Charities Commission. Our registered number is CC11274. - [Subscription and Donation Success](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/subscription-donation-success/) - Thank you for your annual subscription and donation. Your Advocates membership subscription has been set up and you will be automatically billed each year on the anniversary of your membership. If you have any questions please email support@tongariroriver.org.nz - [Subscription Success](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/subscription-success/) - Thank you for your annual subscription. Your Advocates membership subscription has been set up and you will be automatically billed each year on the anniversary of your membership. If you have any questions please email support@tongariroriver.org.nz - [Single Payment Success](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/single-payment-success/) - Thank you for your one year membership payment. If you have any questions please email support@tongariroriver.org.nz - [Single Payment and Donation Success](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/single-payment-donation-success/) - Thank you for your one year membership payment and donation. If you have any questions please email support@tongariroriver.org.nz - [Donation Success](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/donation-success/) - Thank you for your donation If you have any questions please email support@tongariroriver.org.nz - [My account](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/my-account/) - [woocommerce_my_account] - [Shop](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/shop/) - [Cart](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/cart/) - [woocommerce_cart] - [Checkout](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/checkout/) - [woocommerce_checkout] - [Contact](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/contact/) - Contact details for the Advocates for the Tongariro River - [Strategic Plan](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/library-overview/strategic-plan/) - The Advocates for the Tongariro River maintain a range of photo galleries of the Tongariro River, its catchment area, history, and the people involved. - [People](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/library-overview/photos/people/) - Photo Album: People Being updated November 2020 - [Issues](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/library-overview/photos/issues-photos/) - Photo Album: Issues October 2020 - [Catchment](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/library-overview/photos/catchment/) - Photo Album: Catchment October 2020 - [The River](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/library-overview/photos/the-river/) - Photo Album: The River October 2020 - [Environment](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/library-overview/photos/environment/) - Photo Album: Environment October 2020 - [Newsletters](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/library-overview/newsletters/) - Newsletter Archive Newsletters were replaced since 2010 by our Blog. Advocates for the Tongariro River Newsletters are available here for download in PDF format. Click on an image to view, download, or print an issue. Issue 15,December 101MB Issue 14,August 102MB Issue 13,December 093.4MB Issue 12,Oct 092.8MB Issue 11,Jan 091MB Issue 10,June 08687kB Issue 9,December - [Paul Williams Oct 2004](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/library-overview/presentations/paul-williams-oct04/) - The Tongariro River and its Management: Lessons from the river by Paul Williams, October 2004 - [Glenn Maclean May 2009](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/library-overview/presentations/glenn-maclean-may09/) - Fishery Research and Lake Taupo by Glenn Maclean of DOC, May 2009 - [David Hamilton Oct 2009](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/library-overview/presentations/david-hamilton-oct09/) - Lake Taupo - Moving Forward with Imperfect Information by Professor David Hamilton, October 2009 - [Tongariro River Trail April 2010](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/library-overview/presentations/tongariro-river-trail-april-2010/) - Presentation on the Tongariro River Trail by the Advocates for the Tongariro River Click on the first thumbnail image to begin the presentation and then use the previous and next buttons to move through the presentation. Click the home button or an enlarged image to return to the thumbnail index. Presentation on the Tongariro River - [Presentation to WRC April 2011](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/library-overview/presentations/presentation-to-wrc-april-2011/) - Presentation to Waikato Regional Council Hearing Meeting by Stuart Crosbie, Mark Cosgrove, and Eric Wilson on 11 April 2011 Click on the first thumbnail image to begin the presentation and then use the navigation arrows to move through the presentation. - [Paul White Oct 2005](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/library-overview/presentations/paul-white-oct05/) - Land Use, Water Quality and the Lake Taupo Protection Project by Dr Paul White, October 2005 - [Editorials 2008](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2008-archive/) - Blog Archives for 2008 2.9.08 Media Release New steps to protect sports fisheries from rock snot To reduce the risk of didymo spread, Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick today agreed to the New Zealand Fish and Game Council recommendation to restrict the use of footwear with felt soles by fishing licence holders. Our world-famous trout fisheries - [Editorials 2007](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/2007-archive/) - Blog Archives for 2007 29 November Storage containers cause of dead didymo cell spread Jim Anderton's Press Release “Contamination of water sampling containers was almost certainly the source of the dead didymo cells found in four central North Island rivers in late October,” Biosecurity Minister Jim Anderton announced today. The finding is the result of - [Maintenance](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/maintenance/) - Our site is undergoing an upgrade. Please check back later. - [River Access Old](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-old/river-access-old/) - Access to the Tongariro River is an important issue for The Advocates for the Tongariro River. - [Issues Old](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-old/) - The Advocates for the Tongariro River have identified a range of issues affecting the management and protection of the Tongariro River and its catchment area. - [Blog Archive](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/blog/blog-archive/) - Blog posts of the site are archived here and accessible on a monthly basis. Select the month you want to view from the list below. The number of posts for that month are shown in brackets. Older Archives are available via the links below. 2008 2007 - [Advocate 17/10](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/advocate-1710-2/) - [Advocate 17/10](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/advocate-1710/) - [Minutes](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/library-overview/meeting-minutes/) - Minutes 18th April 2015 Item 2 Minutes 20th March 2015 - [Environment](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-old/environment/) - EPRO Poisoning Epro Taupo Ltd have a contract to contol possum numbers and a consent to poison around the Tongariro River. This map shows the area in red where this will occur. The map below shows the area where 1080 baits will be dropped by helicopter. Please note that there have been a couple of - [The fishery](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-old/the-fishery/) - The Advocates for the Tongariro River aim to protect and enhance the quality of the Tongariro River fishery. - [Eruption 6 August 2012 - DOC Update](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-old/eruption-6-august-2012-doc-update/) - [gview file="http://www.tongariroriver.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/DME1038556.doc"] - [DOC media release March 2012](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-old/the-fishery/doc-media-release-march-2012/) - Media release Date 15 March 2012 FEARS OF BROWN TROUT CULL UNJUSTIFIED Recent articles in the Department of Conservation’s Taupo fishery newsletter, Target Taupo, have led to a great deal of discussion in the local and social media arenas. While much of this debate has been well informed, there are some misconceptions about the department’s - [Wilderness Magazine Jan 2010](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-old/trout-town-casts-a-line-for-trampers/) - (written November 2009) by Pippa Brown - Pippa's blog The summer heat roasts this little town, nestled under the cloak of Mount Pihanga at the head of Lake Taupo. Slowly it bakes brown before yawning into autumn. The deciduous trees deepen in colour casting a vibrant pallet of earthy hues across the land. Lying at - [Turangi Chronicle April 2010](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-old/turangi-chronicle-april-2010/) - 29 April 2010 By Laurilee McMichael A 20km-long all-weather walking and biking track alongside the Tongariro River could be a reality by as early as December next year. Tongariro River Trail project manager Ross Baker, who is overseeing the track project on behalf of the Advocates for the Tongariro River, says the track has the - [Discussion paper Oct 2007](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-old/didymo/discussion-paper/) - Stronger Measures Essential To Stop Didymo Reaching the North Island - a discussion paper - 16 October 2007 Introduction Stronger more stringent and effective measures must be taken to keep Didymo out of the North Island. A clear government policy that effectively ring fences the North Island is needed as soon as possible. The problem - [Didymo in the South Island Mar 2009](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-old/didymo/didymo-in-the-south-island/) - 24.3.09 Dear All Recently Jocelyn and I spent a week in Te Anau. Here are some pictures of the Kepler Track, Milford and Doubtful Sounds – just to remind you of this fantastic country we are privileged to live in. The river in the fourth picture is the Iris Burn – it runs into the - [Shane Ardern speech Oct 2007](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-old/didymo/shane-ardern-speech/) - Speech made by Shane Ardern,National Party Biosecurity spokesperson, to a joint meeting of Advocates For The Tongariro River and Federation of New Zealand Freshwater Anglers 21st October 2007 Thank you for the invitation to speak to you today. I have always been passionate about New Zealand and in particular our countryside and the way of - [Lake level](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-old/lake-level/) - Lake Taupo levels are an important issue for The Advocates for the Tongariro River. - [Didymo](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-old/didymo/) - The Advocates for the Tongariro River are concerned with preventing the spread of didymo to the Tongariro River and the North Island. - [Planting](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-old/planting/) - The Advocates for the Tongariro River have embarked on an ambitious programme to have the river margins in indigenous planting. - [Water quality](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-old/sustainability/water-quality/) - The Advocates for the Tongariro River aim to protect and enhance the water quality of the Tongariro River and its catchment area. - [Photos](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/library-overview/photos/) - The Advocates for the Tongariro River maintain a range of photo galleries of the Tongariro River, its catchment area, history, and the people involved. - [Sustainability](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/issues-old/sustainability/) - The Advocates for the Tongariro River aim for a policy to ensure that industrial use of water from the river is not at the expense of recreational use. - [Accountability](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/accountability/) - The Advocates for the Tongariro River track their progress towards their goals for the enhancement and protection of the Tongariro River and its catchment area. - [Member Survey](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/member-survey/) - Introduction Thank you for your ongoing support of the Advocates. As an established organisation committed to the preservation of our precious river environment, various volunteer committees have worked hard for a number of years on initiatives to preserve the fishery and river surrounds. We have had some notable achievements including creating awareness about the threat - [Privacy policy](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/privacy-policy/) - Collecting of Personal Information We collect no personal information about you when you visit this site unless you choose to provide this information to us by completing our Email Form or Membership Form. However, we collect and store certain information automatically. What we collect and store automatically is: the Internet Protocal (IP) address of the ## Sliders - [Front page header](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/fw-slider/auto-draft/) ## Categories - [Front Page](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/category/front-page/) - Front page blog - [Thursday updates](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/category/thursday-updates/) ## Tags - [Wilding Pines](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/tag/wilding-pines/) ## Picture tag - [flood](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/flood/) - [post flood](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/post-flood/) - [2004](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/2004/) - [Bridge Lodge](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/bridge-lodge/) - [breakaway pool](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/breakaway-pool/) - [herekeikei](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/herekeikei/) - [debris](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/debris/) - [plank pool](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/plank-pool/) - [red hut pool](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/red-hut-pool/) - [sand pool](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/sand-pool/) - [shag pool](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/shag-pool/) - [swing bridge](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/swing-bridge/) - [clean up](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/clean-up/) - [tongariro lodge](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/tongariro-lodge/) - [blue pool](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/blue-pool/) - [fence pool](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/fence-pool/) - [whitikau pool](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/whitikau-pool/) - [whitikau stream](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/whitikau-stream/) - [admirals reserve](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/admirals-reserve/) - [bain pool](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/bain-pool/) - [mill race](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/mill-race/) - [flora](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/flora/) - [fauna](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/fauna/) - [morepork](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/morepork/) - [wood pigeon](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/wood-pigeon/) - [white faced heron](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/white-faced-heron/) - [shag](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/shag/) - [tui](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/tui/) - [Francis Prenderville Wilson](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/francis-prenderville-wilson/) - [Raft Trip 1 2011 Bridge to Delta](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/raft-trip-1-2011-bridge-to-delta/) - [AFTR Raft Trip](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/aftr-raft-trip/) - [Raft Trip 2 2011](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/raft-trip-2-2011/) - [May 11](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/may-11/) - [Wilding Pine removal Judges Pool June 2011](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/wilding-pine-removal-judges-pool-june-2011/) - [Wilding Pine removal](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/wilding-pine-removal/) - [Plantation Forestry Removal](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/plantation-forestry-removal/) - [Raft](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/raft/) - [Log Pool](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/log-pool/) - [Beggs Pool](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/beggs-pool/) - [Reed Pool](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/reed-pool/) - [River Pools](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/river-pools/) - [Camera photos 1](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/camera-photos-1/) - [150911](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/150911/) - [15921](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/15921/) - [151125](https://tongariroriver.org.nz/ngg_tag/151125/)