A Te Arawa hapu wants water-level control gates at Lake Rotoiti near Rotorua lake removed to help stop some marae and urupa (burial grounds) being flooded during heavy rain.
Ngati Pikiao appealed against a resource consent by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council which wants to retain the Okere Radial Gates that allow the council to control the water level during heavy rain and stop water flowing down the Kaituna River.
Hapu spokesperson Kepa Morgan argues that the gates are not necessary.
He says the council raises the water level to make it more navigable for boaties and jetskiers but that results in flooding of the lake beaches and reduces the numbers of native species in the lake, such as inanga or whitebait.
He says use of the gates has also caused occasional flooding of marae and urupa.
Dr Kepa Morgan says the hapu has recommended a weir be installed instead but the regional council says that won't allow them to control the water level.
An Agreement in Principle is due to be signed off by Council giving its commitment to address the cultural concerns.
