Not everyone is lucky enough to call dramatic landscapes and tranquil surroundings their home, but Wānaka locals know just how special it is to live here.
Less than 10% of our indigenous plant cover remains, freshwater systems are under stress, and many native species need protection. But making a difference doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when we do it together.
With Te Wiki o Te Taiao – New Zealand Conservation Week kicking off this month , there’s no better time to turn your love for Wānaka into meaningful action. Whether you’re an individual or a business, small, regular contributions can help protect the landscapes, waterways, and wildlife we all depend on.
Wānaka is full of people, organisations, and businesses who care deeply about this place. While everyone’s connection looks different, that shared love for the land is what brings people together.
We spoke to locals across all areas of conservation – from grassroots recipients of Love Wānaka’s funding, to like-minded businesses, key partners, and long-term residents – about what kaitiakitanga (guardianship) means to them, and how that shows up in their lives and work.
Founding members of the Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group as well as long-term supporters and advisors to Te Kākano, Arne and Jenny have dedicated decades to restoring native landscapes across Murihiku (Southland) and the Upper Clutha.
After running one of the South Island’s leading native plant nurseries, they moved to Wānaka intending to retire — but instead took up the challenge of tackling invasive wilding pines, working alongside the community to protect the region for generations to come.
“We’ve learnt you don’t need to be an expert to make a difference. Whether it’s volunteering on a project, learning to identify invasive species, or making small, informed choices in your own backyard — it all helps protect the biodiversity of this region we love”.
A Lake Hāwea local, Zoe was drawn to this rohe (region) from the North Island for the same reasons we all are – the tight community, the access to the lakes and mountains, and the breathing room.
As a passionate freediver and now a young mother, Zoe’s passion for the environment comes from the understanding that everything is a connected ecosystem we all need to survive. It inspired her to not only look at her individual impact, but how she could use her skills as a marketer to support businesses to reduce their own.
“Our agency began with a pledge to work exclusively with environmentally and socially conscious companies. With the ethical and energy implications of the digital world increasing at pace, we quickly realised that we needed to do things differently too.
Brand+Butter now works with clients around the world to walk the talk and carry their ethos throughout every element of their offering, from impact consulting and energy efficient websites, to mindful marketing strategies that support ethical media outfits.
We are very proud to be Love Wānaka Impact Partners and attendees of Industry Planting Days, giving back to the environment we get so much from. One of our key recommendations to local clients is to do the same.”
“Wānaka has always given me a sense of belonging and grounding. Even after a lifetime of looking at Mt Roy, it never stops delighting me. That’s the thing with nature, it’s always changing, and so is the way we see it.
I’ve experienced Wānaka through many stages of life, as a teenager, a student, a worker, a mum and now a councillor. With each stage, my relationship with this place has evolved.
When I was younger, it was about what I could get from it. The adventure, the activity, the freedom. Rock climbing, skiing, running, swimming. It was a playground.
Leaving, and then coming back, gave me a deeper appreciation. Now I feel incredibly privileged to raise my kids here, to watch their sense of wonder, and to see Wānaka shape them in the same way it shaped me. That’s where guardianship starts for me, in noticing, valuing, and wanting to protect what we have.
Becoming a councillor has shifted my perspective again. I now see this place not just for what it gives us, but what it needs from us. That shift feels like a natural part of growing up here. As our perspective changes, so does our responsibility.
For me, guardianship is about that evolution. It shows up differently at each stage of life. First in enjoying this place, then in appreciating it, and now in helping protect it. In my work, that means making decisions with the long term in mind, balancing growth with care, and thinking about the legacy we leave for the next generation.”
A passionate conservationist, Kris cares deeply about New Zealand’s native environment and our special rohe (region). Having been involved with Te Kākano since its early days, and as the founder of Predator Free Wānaka, she has seen firsthand the power of collective action — from growing native plants to protecting the wildlife that depends on them.
Her role as nursery manager involves hands-on habitat restoration, education and community-led initiatives that give locals a way to play a part in creating native biodiverse, healthier ecosystems, while understanding why.
“If we really want to protect our native plantlife and wildlife, we need to understand that it’s not something one person or one organisation can do alone. We make much larger gains through collaboration – it takes communities, visitors and local groups all working together to make a meaningful difference.”
Having grown up skiing in Scotland and Europe, Ewan has always felt a deep connection to the land and an awareness of his impact on it. Becoming a father has only deepened this perspective, prompting him to reflect on how we can strengthen the relationship between people and place, and contribute to a better future through our actions, both individually and as an industry.
His work with Cardrona and Treble Cone ski fields aligns closely with the kaupapa (purpose) of Love Wānaka — helping to reduce the impacts of tourism while protecting this place for current and future generations.
“We have a responsibility when we operate in these environments — not just to minimise our impact, but to truly understand the places we’re part of, and the people connected to them. For me, it always comes back to connection: connecting people to the mountain, to each other, and to the wider ecosystem we rely on.
Sometimes that means slowing down and taking the time to have the right conversations, rather than rushing into something that isn’t quite right.
No one has all the answers, but when we work together and keep challenging ourselves to do better, that’s where meaningful change happens.”
While their stories differ, all our featured locals share a common belief: meaningful change happens when people come together. We can see this reflected in what’s already been achieved through the Love Wānaka Community Fund – more than 1,000 locals, businesses and visitors are now contributing, helping generate over $110,000 for environmental projects across the Upper Clutha in two short years.
It’s proof that small, consistent actions have an even greater impact when they’re combined.
An easy way to add your own contribution is with what we’ve lovingly nicknamed a Subscription to Mother Nature. We all take something from this place, whether it’s a morning swim, a weekend adventure, or just the vibes – now you can give something back.
Here’s how it works for individuals:
Here’s how it works for businesses:
It’s flexible, local, and transparent. You can give what works for you, knowing your contribution stays right here and supports the places you care about most.
