Funding for a new Lake Hood Projects Manager has been given the green light by district council.
As part of the annual plan and budget for 2026-27 group manager for infrastructure Neil McCann said additional funding of $246,000 has been allocated for Lake Hood.
It would cover the projects manager role, maintain the lake, work to comply or renew existing resource consents, and mitigate water quality issues.
McCann said the manager job would be advertised online within the next few days.
“The position is permanent and recruitment will follow our usual processes,” he said.
Ideally, McCann said council were looking for a project manager with skills and experience in environmental engineering, hydrology and natural resource management.
“This person will play an important role in leading the development of a long-term management plan for Lake Hood – that will include working initially with our internationally-recognised cyanobacteria expert Professor Susie Wood and her team of university researchers, who are developing a hydrodynamic model of the lake,” McCann said.
“The work is important to us and has already attracted interest from other local authorities and organisations dealing with cyanobacteria in their districts.”
Another important task was to lead the process of renewing the suite of consents that related to the lake, which expired in 2031.
“The person will lead and co-ordinate the planning, delivery and oversight of these Lake Hood projects and operations, while managing key relationships with all those who have an interest in the lake or live there.”
McCann said council were hoping find the right person as soon as possible.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for someone with the right skillset,” he said.
