Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Restoration: Cafe Scientifique Tauranga with Prof Deniz Ozkundakci

Freshwater ecosystems are the lifeblood of our local environment. The Te Arawa Lakes are among New Zealand's most treasured natural assets, providing crucial habitats for native species alongside deep cultural connection and recreation spaces.

But these environments face immense pressure. Factors like land use change, nutrient enrichment, invasive species, and climate shifts are hitting our waterways hard. Understanding these impacts is essential for local community decision making. Good choices rely on solid place-based science.

Professor Deniz Ozkundakci from the University of Waikato is bringing two decades of research to Café Scientifique Tauranga. He will share how these lakes function, how they have changed over time, and the primary factors driving ecosystem health.

The talk covers the innovative tools scientists are using right now. This includes high frequency monitoring buoys, computer simulations, and ecological forecasting. This technology helps track harmful algal blooms and predict how extreme weather will affect water quality. This is a brilliant opportunity for senior rangatahi and local kaiako to hear directly from a leading researcher about one of the most studied lake systems in the Southern Hemisphere.

• Who: Professor Deniz Ozkundakci (University of Waikato).

• What: Café Scientifique Tauranga presentation on understanding and restoring the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes.

• When: Monday 22 June. Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start. Wraps up by 9:00pm.

• Where: Tauranga Yacht Club.

• Cost: $10 door fee to cover venue and nibbles (Eftpos available).

• How to register: Email Julia Banks at julia.banks60@gmail.com