Adopt a Drain – Autumn 2025
Welcome to our ‘Adopt a Drain’ autumn newsletter
With the weather cooling down, and clocks going back, it certainly feels like we’ve bid goodbye to summer. While we have the beautiful autumn colours to enjoy, they are best suited to our trees and not in our drains!
AUTUMN PLEDGE
‘Leaf it Out’ of your Drain!
As autumn settles in and the leaves begin to fall, we’re reminded of the important role we all play in keeping our waterways clean and healthy. Leaf debris can clog drains, contributing to pollution that ends up in our precious lakes, rivers and streams. By participating in the Adopt a Drain program, you’re helping to clear debris and keep our stormwater flowing freely.
This autumn, take the PLEDGE to: Remove any leaf or plant debris you find blocking your drain.
Every little bit helps when it comes to preserving the beauty of our waterways. Leaf matter may be organic, but it can have unwanted effects on our waterways, for example, Nutrient overloading from leaf debris & pollution can destroy habitat for plants and animals that thrive in lakes and streams near you.
Looking for something to do with your leaf debris instead? Have a look at our Mulch 101 guide or at Grow Wanaka’s Lasagna or Hugelkultur garden beds which utilise brown waste.
I pledge to clean up plant debris from my storm drain.
We’d love to see a before and after photo and any details regarding the debris you’ve found. Click here to add your photos and any comments.
SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
Kōaro – Breeding Season in Autumn
Did you know that autumn marks the breeding season for the Kōaro? These freshwater fish are a critical part of New Zealand’s biodiversity and protecting them starts with protecting their habitats.
Kōaro are sensitive to water quality, and any changes in their environment can have a major impact on their life cycle. Nutrient overloading from leaf debris & pollution can affect the water they breed in, which is why it’s essential that we all do our part in keeping our waterways clean.
Fun Fact: The Kōaro are a common carrier fish for the freshwater mussels Kakahi. If the Kōaro numbers decrease, this has knock on effects for Kakahi. Learn more here!
Photo Credit: Angus McIntosh
WATER HEALTH IN THE UPPER CLUTHA
What you need to know
This summer, several alerts have been issued regarding water quality in Lake Wānaka, underscoring the importance of ongoing efforts to protect our lakes from pollution. With continued focus on preventing nutrient overload, there is an opportunity for all of us to get involved in protecting our environment.
It’s vital that we all remain vigilant and proactive in keeping our stormwater clean. This small act helps to ensure the lake’s health for future generations to enjoy.
For more information on recent alerts and how you can help, check out these resources:
JOIN THE ADOPT A DRAIN PROGRAMME
A Call to Wānaka’s Hospitality Venues
As an important pillar in our community, and the source of information and news to tourists and locals alike, we would love to have more of you on board. Verve was the first hospitality venue to adopt a drain this month, thank you!
GAINING MOMENTUM
One neighbourhood at a time
Do you know a business or household in Wānaka, Hāwea or Luggate that might be interested in Adopt a Drain?
Share this webpage and help us to grow this initiative. We encourage anyone interested to fill out our Adopt a Drain sign-up form.
