National MPs pressure Govt. over polluted lake

National MPs, Tony Ryall and Nick Smith are in Rotorua today to look into the pollution disaster affecting Lake Rotoiti.

There have been several reports of serious illness after people have come into contact with water in the algae-polluted lake.

The Party's Bay of Plenty MP and Environment spokesman will join Environment BOP scientists as they carry out water quality tests with new testing equipment, and will speak to local residents. The pair will also meet with the Rotorua District Council and the Medical Officer of Health.

"The Government has ignored this calamity affecting one of New Zealand's major tourist lakes. In fact, the Minister for the Environment has actively opposed the Regional Council's plan to control the inflow of nutrients into the lake. Our visit is to continue pressure on the Government," says Mr Ryall.

"Yesterday's bungling response from acting Minister Pete Hodgson is being scoffed at in Rotorua. Government leadership is needed now."

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