[2][3] Since reforestation efforts began, birdlife has returned to the area, including tūī, riroriro and pīwakawaka.

[2] The lake was an important freshwater resource for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, prior to European settlement.

[2] The land adjoining the lake was acquired by Bishop Selwyn in 1851, as a part of the grounds of the St John's College.

[3] In 1908 the Waiatarua Drainage Board was formed, intending to drain the swamplands around the lake,[3] despite wide public opposition to the plan.

[2] A tunnel was constructed underneath Remuera Road, in order to drain the lake into the Ōrākei Basin, which was completed by 1929.