Urban Catchments
The aim of the Urban Catchment Project is to improve the health of urban freshwater in the Upper Clutha through education and community-led action
The urban communities of Wānaka, Hāwea, Luggate, Cardrona and Makarora continue to grow at a rapid rate. This directly affects the health and wellbeing of our freshwater ecosystems, and with that, our own.
The Urban Catchment Project grew from the need to inform the Upper Clutha community about local water issues and how to help mitigate them. Supporting urban action groups with the knowledge, framework and tools they need in order to preserve and improve the health of urban streams/stormwater and their surrounding ecosystems.
In this way we can all work together towards WAI Wānaka’s vision for healthy ecosystems and community wellbeing for future generations.
HOW WILL THIS BE ACHIEVED?
Community-led urban action groups will be established through neighbourhood groups, school groups, clubs etc, or built around one or more specific environmental or sustainability goals.
Our aim is to establish action groups with a diverse array of priorities. From locations that represent the whole Upper Clutha catchment and involve all ages and all living groups. A key criteria for each group is to be passionate to restore, protect and preserve our urban catchments. Each group determines their own priorities. Taking ownership of issues they can affect, while being supported and facilitated by WAI Wānaka.
Click on the links below to see examples and updates from already established urban action groups.
URBAN ACTION GROUPS
Lakeside Road Enhancement Group
Their vision is a pristine lakefront environment that is free from invasive species, characterised by a balanced coexistence of native and exotic plants, with a high level of native biodiversity. Excellent public access and amenities, clean water flowing into the lake. As well as a united local community actively engaged in supporting environmental enhancement and protection.
Kirimoko Catchment Group
The group’s goals include maintaining and enhancing the existing Kirimoko Summit biodiversity efforts. Fostering a sense of community connection and increasing and enhancing local biodiversity and recreational access. The group kick started their efforts in 2022 with a Kirimoko planting event, bringing together a range of local environmental organisations.
Beacon Point Restoration Group
The Beacon Point Restoration Group unites 10 neighbouring households with an interest in caring for eight hectares of lakefront land managed by QLDC. Their area includes part of the Outlet walking track and a small wetland maintained by Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust and local volunteers. Currently, the group is focused on three goals: invasive species control, biodiversity enhancement and improving water quality.
Dublin Bay Restoration Group
The Dublin Bay Restoration Group unites passionate local residents with a strong connection to the land within the DOC Dublin Bay Reserve, who wish to protect and enhance the environment of this area. The primary objective of this group is to restore and enhance native biodiversity (both flora and fauna) within the reserve and create a safe and inclusive space for the whole community to enjoy and use for recreation.
Bremner Bay Catchment Group
The Bremner Bay Catchment Group has a strong interest in stormwater quality and flow, education and engagement in the community and protecting the Bremner Bay area, so it can be enjoyed for safe swimming and recreation for generations to come.
We wish to thank Patagonia NZ, Otago Catchment Community Inc, Otago Community Trust, and QLDC for supporting our work with local groups, as well as local organisations Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust, Wānaka Backyard Trapping, the Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group and the Wānaka Community Workshop for their amazing mahi in this space.