This post continues previous tourist anglers’ complaints about the derelict state of the lower Tongariro River. TRM has been trying to expose this “eco-vandalism” for over ten years. We represent fishing guests who still remember the “glory days” of the Braids, before the WRC (Waikato Regional Council) sent in their diggers to excavate gravel under the guise of “flood protection works”. Anglers call it “gravel extraction works”! They destroyed the most important brown trout nursery and spawning area serving Lake Taupo and left the river as illustrated in the photos. (Quite unbelievable – imagine them doing that on the Waikato in Hamilton! But down in Turangi they must imagine it is out of sight of tourists?) These photos were taken last Sunday 19 September 2021, ten years after their vandalism. This river is promoted as a “world-famous” trout fishing river… The WRC obviously has no idea of how important this river is to Turangi’s economy and tourist reputation. They failed Turangi.