October Newsletter 2024
This month we’re asking: what would life be like if swimming in the lakes and rivers we cherish was no longer possible?
At the start of October after heavy rain, a ‘no swim’ warning was issued for Roy’s Bay due to higher than normal levels of E.coli in the water, putting lake users’ health at risk. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen water quality issues like this after it rains.
Rainfall often carries pollutants from our streets, driveways and lawns into local storm drains, which flow directly into local waterways – like Roy’s Bay.
Warning bells like this remind us why we began the Adopt a Drain programme. To empower our community to take small but meaningful actions that reduce pollution entering the lakes and rivers that we all enjoy and rely on.
Adopt a Drain continues to grow, with 8 new sign-ups this month alone! We’re also excited to be sharing resources with the Endangered Species Foundation to help expand the initiative nationwide.
Help us reach our goal of 10 new sign-ups this month (it’s free!) and make a difference in protecting the health of freshwater: SIGN-UP HERE.
We’ve also just released our Adopt a Drain Spring Newsletter, highlighting two common spring pollutants: grass clippings and fertilisers. Read it today and take the pledge to improve your gardening habits this season with two simple actions.
This work is made possible thanks to the ongoing support of Queenstown Lakes District Council, Love Wānaka, and Central Lakes Trust.
Springing into action
Protecting fresh water starts on land. Urban action groups have been busy the past few months with exciting restoration projects. Two successful working bees, held in partnership with Te Kākano, Wānaka Backyard Trapping, Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group and Queenstown Lakes District Council, took place in late September and early October.
With the sun shining and plenty of enthusiastic volunteers, these events focused on native planting (led by Te Kākano), maintenance, and fostering community connections.
“As neighbours of this area, we have a responsibility to ensure our actions are helping to protect the lake and enhance local flora and fauna“
– Mike, Lakeside Road Enhancement Group
Interested in started an urban action group in our neighbourhood? Hit the button below to express interest.
Our work supporting urban action groups is made possible thanks to the ongoing support of Otago Regional Council, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Otago Community Catchments, Otago Community Trust and Patagonia NZ.
Local farmers fueling environmental initiatives
The Upper Clutha is a special place, with many rural landowners actively working to enhance on-farm biodiversity and safeguard local waterways. Thanks to funding provided by the Ministry for Primary Industries, we are able to support local farmers through our On-Farm Environmental Support Programme. Recent highlights include:
- 2000 native plants planted at Lake Hāwea Station in three different zones.
- A Nassella tussock control programme undertaken by the Cardrona Valley Catchment Group.
- Ongoing rabbit control efforts by the Maungawera Biodiversity Group and Criffel Station.
Knowledge is power
Freshwater news, recommended podcasts and more.
WAI volunteer blog: How Does Your Garden Grow? (Written by Georgie Hughes)
Podcast: Nau Mai Town, Season 3 Episode 1: Wānaka (RNZ)
Online Guide: Otago Native Planting Guide (ORC)
Short Video: Rainwater strategies for climate resilience (Tedx Talks)
Article/ Action: Have your say on a plan to manage Mount Iron (QLDC)
Community: Wastebusters Repair Revolution (Wānaka Wastebusters)
Kā mihi nui!
We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from our community who help make our work possible. Each newsletter, we’ll use this space to shine a light on two local contributors:
Summit Financial Group
We wish to thank Summit Financial Group for providing funding and support for our upcoming beach clean-up along the Wānaka Lakefront.
Kā mihi nui – many thanks!
Gallagher Insurance Wānaka
A big thank-you to Gallagher Insurance, whose team braved the rain to join us at the Bremner Bay clean-up last month, keeping our hardworking volunteers going with a much needed sausage sizzle! We’re also thrilled to announce they will be supporting WAI through their Insurance for Good programme. Businesses that support WAI can access Gallagher’s top brokers while nominating us to receive an annual donation.
As a registered charity, we rely on donors and grants to sustain our initiatives. If you would like to donate or fundraise for WAI Wānaka, click here, or get in touch with us through email. We would love to hear from you!
Get involved in our upcoming events
23 October 10am-12pm: Wānaka lakefront beach clean-up – meeting near the wharf.
2 November 2pm-6pm: Wao Summit Festival of Nature
7 November 4:30pm-5:30pm: Get Your Feet Wet session at Bullock Creek – near Speights Ale House.
17 November 10am-12pm: Hāwea beach clean-up – stay tuned for details!
26 November 9am-11am: Microplastics Lab Session (volunteer) – spots limited, email van@waiwanaka.nz to express interest.
27 November 12pm-6pm: Agri-Tech Community event – a free event showcasing new agricultural technologies and innovations for local farmers and rural professionals of the Upper Clutha – stay tuned for details!
Team Update
We have a team update to share with our community! Our current CEO, Marissa Adelstein, will be going on parental leave soon. Cat Dillon, Community Action Lead at WAI, will be stepping in as interim CEO.
“I’m excited to take on this role and continue our important mahi together during this time!” – Cat.