Winter updates
It’s Plastic Free July and we’re excited to be diving deeper into A Teeny-Tiny Truth, a research project exploring microplastics in Lake Wānaka.
Plastic Free July isn’t just about raising awareness, it’s about taking action!
You can help protect our lakes and rivers this month by layering up in clothing made from natural fabrics instead of synthetic. Click here to learn more.
PhD student joins the WAI whānau
Introducing Veronica, a passionate PhD student and the lead researcher of ‘A Teeny-Tiny Truth’. We sat down with Veronica to discuss why investigating microplastics in our freshwater is important for our community.
“Beyond their immense cultural, environmental and recreational value, our lakes and rivers are a primary source of human drinking water. It’s important to get a grapple on the impact [microplastics] may have on freshwater organisms, taonga species and humans” says Veronica.
Veronica and the team have been out on the lake piloting different methods of sampling. Stay updated on what we discover by following WAI on Instagram and Facebook.
A round of applause for the WAI field team
With the wrap up of the three year Jobs for Nature programme at WAI, we reflect on the impact our field team had across farms in the Upper Clutha.
We’ve compiled a resource highlighting the team’s mahi and growth during WAI’s Jobs for Nature programme. Click here to be inspired.
Mandy Bell passes the baton for WAI’s bright future
Mandy’s strong vision of a ‘whole of community, whole of basin’ approach to water health has been a key feature of WAI Wānaka since its beginnings in 2016. Mandy has worked tirelessly over the last 7 years to attract funding and opportunities that benefit our community and our environment.
WAI Wānaka is now in a good place to seek new leadership.
Mandy will stay on as Project Director of the Our Land & Water National Science Challenge funded project ‘Knowledge into Action for Te Taiao’.
Join us for some exciting upcoming events
Monthly Secchi Disk workshops on the lake – email kelly@waiwanaka.nz to express interest in our next outing.
5 August – Lakeside Road planting day with Te Kākano 1pm-3pm
