15 Jan 2026

Councillor seeks tourist levy funds to protect Blue Spring site

From Morning Report, 7:08 am on 15 January 2026

A Waikato regional councillor says rising visitor numbers are damaging the Blue Spring near Putaruru, with rubbish clogging toilets, coins thrown into the water and unsafe parking. He wants an access fee and a share of the international tourist levy to help fund protection and upkeep of the popular site.