Ngati Ruanui in South Taranaki is concerned about the discovery of the country's worst submerged fresh water weed that has found its way into Lake Rotorangi.
The weed known as Hornwort has been discovered in the lake through the triennial weed survey carried out by Trust Power and the Taranaki Regional Council.
The iwi says the discovery of the noxious weed is a first for Taranaki and is a major threat to native fauna and flora including the quality of the water.
Ngati Ruanui Runanga chief executive Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says iwi need to be included in any management plans because they have a strong affinity with natural resources and have the solutions.
She says iwi shouldn't have to be protesting to have a place at the management table, it should be something that is happening for the protection and preservation of water quality for future generations.
