WAI Wānaka is a non-profit community organisation with a vision of healthy ecosystems and community wellbeing for future generations.
We work with individuals, community groups, farmers, catchment groups, councils, schools and businesses to improve ecosystem health, reverse biodiversity loss and keep the water healthy.
OUR MAHI
COMMUNITY ACTION
As an empowered community we work together to serve the environment. By raising awareness of environmental issues and involving the community, we create a sense of responsibility to protect and enhance our ecosystem for years to come.
EDUCATION PROGRAMMES
Our strength lies in our connections with others. Our education programmes are building a passionate community of water advocates with the skills and knowledge to be the current and future voices for healthy water.
RESEARCH AND MONITORING
Collectively we champion, support and communicate comprehensive research and monitoring that supports long term fresh water management.
RURAL COLLABORATION
Securing healthy ecosystems for future generations requires purposeful action across the entire district. WAI Wānaka is working with local farmers and landowners to support their environmental goals.
GET INVOLVED
The more hands and minds are working together towards the same goals, the greater the outcome.
Become part of our team of amazing volunteers and citizen scientists. Join one of our community events and learn how you can help look after our ecosystem. Click here to join our volunteer mailing list.
Did you know you can ‘adopt’ the storm drain in your neighbourhood? Thereby making a pledge to reduce stormwater pollution and help preserve our precious lakes and waterways. It’s simple and free, click here to see how it works.
Navigating how to help protect freshwater in our community isn’t always easy. Here are some practical ways you can participate in our collective journey to lessen the impacts on our environment.
As a non-profit organisation, we rely on donors and grants to sustain our initiatives. By donating to WAI, you’re supporting a collective mission of healthy ecosystems and community wellbeing for future generations.
WAI WĀNAKA STORIES
News & Updates
- Adopt a Drain – Winter 2026
Welcome to our ‘Adopt a Drain’ Winter Newsletter With the storms we’ve experienced over the winter, what happens when rain hits our roads is as important… Read more - Why do catchment groups matter – the Lake Hāwea catchment group
In our previous blog, we explored WAI Wānaka’s on-farm biodiversity monitoring programme, where farmers across the Upper Clutha are collecting data to further understand the health of the natural systems on their land. But understanding the environment is only the first step. The next challenge is turning that knowledge into action. - Andrew Tischler x WAI Wānaka: Protecting the Places That Inspire Us
At WAI Wānaka, we believe that when people feel connected to nature, they’re more likely to care for it. That’s one of the reasons we’re… Read more - Understanding our land: WAI Wānaka’s on-farm Environmental Monitoring Programme
Across the Upper Clutha, farmers are taking a closer look at the natural systems that support their land, from the soil beneath their feet to the… Read more