Both the community and Ngati Tuwharetoa have been represented in the 2020 Taupo-nui-a-Tia Project through the 2020 Forum and the Lakes and Waterways Action Group. The 2020 Forum was set up in February 2003 and assisted the Project Team to prioritise the threats and develop actions to address these issues. Representatives from various sectors of the community, including health, tourism, forestry and farming, were a part of the Forum.

The 2020 Forum is not going to be continued. However, the community can continue to be involved in the 2020 Taupo-nui-a-Tia Action Plan by:

• Using the 2020 website to find out about the Plan, access resources, and contact key people
• Participating in the Lakes and Waterways Action Group
• Getting in direct contact with the 2020 coordinator
• Downloading local media releases
• Getting involved with the different agencies planning processes

The Lakes and Waterways Action Group was set up in 1997, and is a group of community members interested in taking care of Lake Taupo. Their vision is to be a leading advocate for the protection of Lake Taupo-nui-a-Tia and its waterways and other local catchment environments. The Lakes and Waterways Action Group meets on the last Wednesday of every month at 5.10 pm at the Taupo Yacht Club.  To find out more about the Lakes and Waterways Action Group, contact Jane Penton (Secretary), 07 378 2043, PO Box 407, Taupo.

The Lakes and Waterways Action Group will continue to oversee the implementation of the 2020 TAP and encourage community involvement and ongoing dialogue in the solutions for Taupo-nui-a-Tia.

There is also a commitment from the 2020 Joint Management Group and the key agencies to involve the community and Ngati Tuwharetoa in the implementation of the 2020 TAP, by taking ownership of the plan and being part of the solutions. 2020 TAP is a community and Ngati Tuwharetoa-owned plan.

For more information on how you can get involved please contact 2020 TAP coordinator.