Lake Taupo is a Ngati Tuwharetoa taonga of great cultural significance. Its waters and the native species it contains, such as kaoro, koura, kokopu, toitoi and inanga, have long been a vital source of physical and cultural sustenance. Brown trout were introduced to Lake Taupo through streams such as the Whangamata in the early 1890's by acclimatisation societies supported by the crown. From 1903 large numbers of rainbow trout were introduced and by 1911 rapidly growing trout numbers attracted the attention of anglers from around the world.The Whangamata stream is one of the most significant spawning streams for these fish and protection of the stream bed is vital to the sustainability of the trout fishing sport.