2000 tonnes of sediment extracted from Millbrook ponds

Millbrook has been very active this year in supporting the restoration of Wai Whakaata / Lake Hayes.

Using a remote-controlled dredge, they have successfully vacuumed and pumped around 2,000 tonnes of sediment, containing an estimated 2 tonnes of phosphorus, out of their upper ponds. This work will have a significant positive impact on the health of the lake.

The Friends of Lake Hayes (FOLH) target is to remove 500–700 tonnes of sediment per year, and thanks to these efforts, total extraction across the whole catchment over the past two years has now reached 3,330 tonnes.

Due to consent conditions around fish protection, work had to be paused for part of the season. However, Millbrook plans to recommence dredging next autumn - after the New Zealand Open – when a similar volume of sediment is expected to be removed from the larger lower ponds.

A big thank you to Millbrook and their landowners from the entire community for their ongoing commitment and contribution to restoring the health of Lake Hayes.