Ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata –-

When the land is well, the people are well. When Papatūānuku thrives, we thrive.

Conserving nature is essential to protecting our land, wildlife and waterways for future generations. The wairua (spirit) created by our landscape is what shapes the experience of being in Wānaka. Whether you call this place home or you are visiting, here are some simple ways to help give back to our whenua (land/environment) and leave a legacy you can be proud of.

After all, this place is simply too special not to protect.

Girl walking on large fallen tree in the wilderness.

Ready to learn something new or just plain ol’ keen to do your part to help this special part of the world thrive? Love Wānaka connects visitors and locals with regular volunteer opportunities, and when we say there’s something for everyone, we truly mean it.

Whether you’re passionate about keeping Wānaka’s lakes and rivers clean, planting native trees, growing kai for the community, or simply giving your time to an organisation in need, there’s something for every age, ability and interest.

It doesn’t have to be conservation week for you to help out, either. Check out Love Wānaka’s live volunteer calendar now to see what’s on, when. And make your trip a trip that counts.

Round up a solid crew of your favourite humans – many hands make light work! Set out on a morning walk with your whānau (family) or friends to pick up some rubbish, give Wānaka’s native plants some love, or get to know our taoka (treasured) species. The best way to make it feel impactful is to choose a place that matters to you most.

Read Te Kākano’s tips for a “walk and water” along the Wānaka lakefront, or check out Love Wānaka’s volunteer event calendar to join a scheduled activity.

Good for the soul and good for the environment – there are plenty of ways to lower your footprint while you’re exploring our rohe (region).

  1. Make the most of the tracks here in Wānaka, and walk or cycle whenever you can.
  2. If you’ve flown in, offset your emissions with a donation to the Love Wānaka community fund.
  3. Go SUCFree (Single-Use-Cup Free) – it’s easy! Sit in, bring-your-own mug, or borrow from one of Wānaka’s many cup libraries.

If you can’t spare the time, and you can spare the dollars, take the opportunity to make a donation to the Love Wānaka Community Fund.

Your donation will give life to the organisations and initiatives that are protecting and preserving our environment, now and for generations to come. Best part of it all? Every dollar raised supports grassroots environmental efforts, right here in Wānaka, so you know you’re making a difference to the place you love.

Check out Love Wānaka’s impact and help play your part in looking after this special part of the world.

Person planting natives in a community area.

Ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata – when the land is well, the people are well. When Papatūānuku thrives, we thrive.

 

Learn more about Love Wānaka’s mission and impact.