The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme is hosting Waikato University professor Troy Baisden and NIWA scientist Mary de Winton to discuss their research on the Te Arawa lakes on August 14.

Professor Baisen will speak on Lake Tarawera's interconnected catchments – its flows of water and nutrients.

Lake Tarawera poses challenges that are both unique in Aotearoa and globally; the lake receives its flow of water and nutrients from seven different lakes, with most of it delivered via hidden groundwater in flows rather than accessible streams.

Significant amount of nutrients are also derived from geothermal activity.

Mary de Winton will speak on why we should be managing lake vegetation. Plants growing in the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes include the bad, alien weeds, and the good indigenous plant species.

In Mary's talk, she will introduce the differences between these groups, what they mean for the ecological condition of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes and how we might manage them.

She will also look beneath the surface of the issues and information which inform decisions on vegetation management at our lakes.

The event runs from 6pm until 8pm at the council chambers of the Rotorua Lakes Council. Tea and coffee will be provided.