Wai Wānaka

Our vision:

Working Together for healthy water.

For all life to thrive, healthy water is essential. Working together and fostering the connections between land, air and water, we can support biodiversity to flourish, build resilient ecosystems, and protect our precious alpine waterways in the Upper Clutha basin.

By harnessing science, rallying the community and connecting people, we will protect the health and wellbeing of our lakes and rivers for future generations.

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Who we are:

WAI is the Māori word for water. It also stands for Water Action Initiative

WAI Wānaka shares knowledge about our precious alpine waterways and the real impacts of human activity on freshwater quality. We connect the many individuals, community groups, iwi, landowners and businesses undertaking positive work towards building healthy ecosystems and supporting community wellbeing in our region. We encourage and facilitate science, community action and education.

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Why It Matters

Our waterways are no longer as pristine as they appear and face increasing pressures. They face risks from urban development, rural development, increased tourism and recreation, the spread of pest flora and fauna and climate change. There are currently many knowledge gaps in the field of freshwater improvement work including a lack of monitoring, measurement and data to inform decision making.  

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How We Create Change

Our action plan is called the Community Catchment Plan (CCP). The CCP is our community blueprint for the future, guiding the many individuals, community groups and businesses undertaking positive work within the Upper Clutha. It identifies risks to the health of our waterways, gaps in our understanding and recommends 60 actions we need to take to change the effects of human activity on our aquatic ecosystems.

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Our Projects Making A Difference

WAI Wānaka works with our partners on sustainable environmental programmes that deliver impact with a whole of basin approach.

Wānaka Water Project - improves the understanding of the risks to our waterways and identify the actions needed to allow them to thrive. In collaboration with passionate individuals, regulators, scientists and our community, we’ve developed a Community Catchment Plan, planted over 15,500 riparian plants along 5,000m of waterways and delivered two comprehensive applied science reports focused on stormwater.

Jobs For Nature —  part of a national program to provide jobs and support for people and communities across Aotearoa, our Jobs For Nature project delivers measurable benefits for the environment alongside providing much-needed local employment. We carry out work on-farms with environmental outcomes, including improved freshwater, improved biosecurity and enhanced biodiversity.

Action Groups - WAI Wānaka is supporting Upper Clutha landowners and has helped to establish 6 of the 7 catchment groups operating in the Central Lakes District. Action Groups connect landowners, local businesses and the community so they can work together to protect and enhance our ecosystems.

Science & Education — safeguarding the future of our waterways requires evidence based action that is supported by research, monitoring and data. We work with experts to understand the science and research needed to protect our catchment. Education is key to enduring outcomes for the environment, so we build relationships with local schools, universities and the community so everyone can get involved.