Rotting lake weed causes stench at Rotorua lakefront

Thursday 27 November 2025 · 4 outlets · 3 reports · updated Thu 27 Nov 2025, 7:58am

In this story Rotorua Lakes Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council

A 70 tonne-a-day clean-up of Lake Rotorua is underway to remove decomposing weed and dead fish. Local businesses report that the resulting odour is causing customers to complain or avoid the area. The removal process is continuing this week.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldThu 27 Nov 2025, 6:00am

   Rotorua Lakefront stench lingers as rotting weed and dead fish pile up (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsThu 27 Nov 2025, 7:33am

   Rotorua lakefront stench lingers as seaweed and dead fish pile up (opens in new tab)

3. StuffThu 27 Nov 2025, 7:58am

   Rotorua lakefront stench lingers as decomposing weed and dead fish pile up (opens in new tab)

   Also on RNZ (opens in new tab)