There are so many ways we all enjoy our lakes and rivers. Can you imagine 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. 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 an overview 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
Who is 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, iwi, councils, businesses, community groups and schools to improve ecosystem health, reverse biodiversity loss and keep our water healthy.
This is WAI 2021
Want to find out about WAI Wānaka in a snapshot? Download our booklet: This is WAI 2021
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
- Rural Update August 2022Welcome back to your rural update! We have two great events coming up in the next couple of weeks. It’s all about young farmers and biodiversity farm… Read more
- The more we know, the better we do!E mao ana ki ua, e ua ana ki mao.It is fine until it rains, it rains until it’s fine. Welcome to WAI Wānaka’s winter update! It’s… Read more
- Science Blog – future researchKia ora kotou, Time for a further update on research in the Upper Clutha. Previous science blogs have covered historic and current research in our… Read more
- Rural Update 28 July 2022We’ve achieved a lot over the last couple of years working together through the Jobs for Nature programme. With the addition of funding through the ‘Knowledge… Read more
- Knowledge into Action for Te TaiaoWAI Wānaka has been working with the Upper Clutha community since 2016 to protect and enhance ecosystem health and community wellbeing across rural, urban and… Read more
- Rural update July 2022‘For Māori, Te Taiao is the natural world that contains and surrounds humanity in an interconnected relationship of respect.’ Taiao Ora, Tangata Ora Knowledge into… Read more
- Better togetherBy working together, we empower communities to understand their water, their environment, and their impact. The first official Matariki public holiday has brought forward many beautiful… Read more
- Rural update June 2022The team are up-skilling on the chainsaws to tackle the ever increasing wilding pine issue. It’s a great time of year to be getting on… Read more