New book on lakes of the Waikato uncovers hidden gems

The three co-editors (left to right): Dr Deniz Özkundakci, Tracie Dean-Spears, and Natasha Grainger spent five years on this labour of love

Launched last Friday, Hidden Gems of the Waikato – the History, Ecology and Management of the Waikato Lakes brings together contributions from 82 authors from a range of disciplines and organisations. Including chapters on lake geology and formation, plants and animals found in lakes, lake restoration, the book also looks at policy and economic considerations as well as some personal reflections.

Natasha Grainger, Waikato Regional Council’s Team Leader – Biodiversity and one of three co-editors of the book, says she is thrilled the book has been published and proud of the collaborative effort of the authors. “It has been a big task to compile all of the information in a way that will be engaging and useful to readers, but we are satisfied we have done exactly that.”

Another co-editor, University of Waikato Associate Professor and former Waikato Regional Council staff member, Dr Deniz Özkundakci, says that while many of the lakes need action to protect and restore their health, "we have some truly hidden gems – lakes that rank among the best in the country. The region includes the full spectrum of lake condition, from outstanding lakes to some of the most degraded.”

Lakes often hold strong emotional value for people, whether it be childhood memories of learning to swim, fishing or water skiing to summer holidays with family, Dr Özkundakci says. They play a big part in the lives of our communities. 

Many of the 82 contributors were on hand to sign the book (this is a screenshot from a video)

The third co-editor, Tracie Dean-Spears, who also worked at Waikato Regional Council for a number of years, says the book includes a diverse range of perspectives and collective knowledge of the lakes that the authors have generously shared.  “We hope that their insights will help inspire greater efforts to protect and restore the lakes, so that they can be enjoyed by future generations,” she adds.

While it is a celebration, this book is also a stark reminder of the fragility of our environment, revealing the harsh reality of loss, degradation and impairment that have plagued numerous lakes in the Waikato region. But it’s not all doom and gloom, Deniz says, adding that many community groups have started to get involved in restoration efforts. 

The book, which was a five-year-long labour of love, is aptly titled Hidden Gems, as many of the most beautiful lakes are tucked away on private property around the rohe. This book lifts the veil.

Hidden Gems can be purchased at www.thebestlittlebookstore.nz and copies will be available to schools, libraries and community groups actively working in this area.