There are many different ways we all enjoy our lakes and rivers. What would happen if they were too polluted to be safe? Looking at what seems like pristine waters, it may be hard to imagine. But many rivers and lakes in our beautiful country are under threat right now. Our local waterways are no exception. They are in decline and every day our delicate ecosystems are under more and more pressure.
OUR PURPOSE:
Accelerating local action for our fresh water
Our Action Plan
We have an action plan for our catchment, the mighty Upper Clutha, covering a total area of 4,600 km2.
The Community Catchment Plan is our shared roadmap to improve and maintain the long-term health of Upper Clutha’s freshwater.
It identifies risks to the health of our waterways, gaps in our understanding and actions we need to take in order to reduce the effects of human activity on our aquatic ecosystems. You can view a summary of the plan here.
OUR VISION:
Healthy ecosystems and community wellbeing for future generations
Healthy Ecosystems
Our work supporting healthy ecosystems includes habitat restoration through native planting, weed control, pest animal and predator control, water monitoring and biodiversity enhancement.
These on the ground actions are based on current science and backed by educational programmes and community outreach. We are also helping businesses, landowners and urban groups to develop and roll out environmental plans.
Community Wellbeing
Research shows that community wellbeing is closely linked to the natural environment, and connectedness to nature can enhance our emotional, physical and mental health, and reduce feelings of social isolation.
We believe that the more people know, the more prepared they are to step up. Each of us – locals and visitors alike – has a part to play in protecting this special place.
OUR MAHI
Community Collaboration
By working together, we empower communities to understand their water, their environment, and their impact.
From WAI Wānaka’s humble beginning, it was clear that none of the work necessary to protect and restore our waterways can be done in isolation.
Education Programme
Education is at the heart of local action.
Our education and outreach programmes are building a passionate community of water advocates with the skills and knowledge to be the current and future voices for healthy water.
Action Groups
Connecting landowners, local businesses and the community.
Working together to protect healthy ecosystems and community wellbeing for years to come. WAI Wānaka helped establish 6 of the 7 catchment groups and 4 small landholder groups operating in the Central Lakes District.
Jobs for Nature
Mahi mō te Taiao
Strengthening our shared connections to land, water and ecology.
As part of a nationwide initiative, WAI Wānaka’s Jobs for Nature programme delivers measurable benefits for the environment on-farm alongside providing much-needed local employment.
Wānaka Water Project
60 actions were identified for our fresh water, healthy ecosystems and community wellbeing through the Community Catchment Plan.
The Wānaka Water Project oversees the actions, organises community fundraising for riparian planting and commissions scientific research.
Knowledge into Action
for te Taiao
Te Taiao – the natural world that contains and surrounds us – is at the centre of this project.
Connecting leading scientists, researchers, tangata whenua and local farmers to develop an understanding of land-use and land management options that enhance te Taiao – the natural world.
Who are WAI Wānaka?
We’re an organisation made up of passionate individuals with a shared vision of healthy ecosystems and community wellbeing for future generations.
By working together, we empower communities to understand their water, their environment, and their impact.
WAI Wānaka’s team is on the ground, working with local individuals, catchment groups, landowners, councils, businesses, community groups and schools to improve ecosystem health, reverse biodiversity loss and keep our water healthy.
Our Mission:
By working together, we empower communities to understand their water, their environment, and their impact
GET INVOLVED
The more hands and minds working together towards the same goal, the greater the outcome.
Become part of our team of amazing volunteers. Fill in our questionnaire and let us know how you would like to participate.
Want to help us take care of this special place? Every donation, big or small, helps to create positive change for our environment.
Get in touch or sign up to our newsletter to have your say and stay in the loop about upcoming events and opportunities.
WAI WĀNAKA BLOG
News & Updates
- What role can you play in protecting our special place?
With summer in full swing, we hope you and your whānau have been out enjoying our lakes and rivers here in the Upper Clutha. After… Read more - ALL THINGS URBAN AT WAI
As the urban communities of Wānaka, Hāwea, Luggate, Cardrona and Makarora continue to grow, so too does the need to look after our urban environments…. Read more - Do you love our alpine lakes?
This gifting season we invite you to look after your treasured alpine lakes – Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea – and their surrounding waterways by supporting education and… Read more - Rural Update November 2022
No doubt you’ll be flat out as spring gets into full swing. The teams out in the field have their work cut out over the… Read more - WAI’s spring update
Spring is a fresh start in nature and a time to clear out some clutter, remove weeds and plant the right trees in the right… Read more - Protecting our living treasures
Nuwan De Silva thinks all fish deserve protection. He shares his experiences with WAI Wānaka. Nuwan De Silva is an Estuaries and Freshwater Scientist at… Read more - Work with nature: Tania’s story
This week is WAI Wānaka’s galaxiids week. We hope to raise awareness of the lesser known native fish by giving them a voice. Looking after… Read more - A passion for galaxiids
Ash Rabel is WAI Wānaka’s resident scientist, with a passion for galaxiids and protecting Aotearoa’s habitats on land and especially water. Ash explains how WAI… Read more