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A long-time Rotorua resident says she was “shocked” by the state of overgrown lawns in the city’s Government Gardens, calling it “not a good look” for tourists and other visitors.

Photographer Tracey Scott, 65, visited the gardens on January 6 to take photos for a city project and was dismayed by the overgrown lawns in front of the closed Rotorua Museum.

The former Rotorua Daily Post photographer said some patches were “waist-high”.

“I’ve lived in Rotorua all my life and take great pride in my city. I care about our tourists being able to enjoy the best Rotorua has to offer.”

She described the area as an “eyesore” just 100 metres from the Band Rotunda, a spot frequented by many locals and visitors.

“The Government Gardens are a huge tourist drawcard, especially at this time of year. I’ve been photographing them for 30 years and have never seen the lawns like this.

“I just can’t understand why they got into this state. It’s totally unacceptable.”

Rotorua Lakes Council spokeswoman said the overgrown area was one of three bowling greens leased and maintained by the Rotorua Bowling Club.

The spokeswoman said the area had since been mowed by a contractor.

“Areas in the Government Gardens for which the council is responsible are regularly maintained, depending on weather and growth.”

Rotorua Bowling Club president Brian Denny said he was unaware of the issue until contacted by the Rotorua Daily Post.

“We are terribly sorry that this has been witnessed. Due to the bad weather experienced in early December, we were unable to get to maintain that particular green.”

He said the greenkeeper would make sure maintenance of the green was kept up, weather permitting.

 is a senior journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post who has been a journalist for 25 years. She mainly covers police, court and other justice stories, as well as general news. She has been a Canon Media Awards regional/community reporter of the year.