Water is central to the way of life in Wānaka.
For some, it’s the simple joy of diving into the clear, cool water on a hot summer’s day. For others, it’s the community swims out to Ruby Island, bringing friends and finding new ones. For parents, it might be the first wobbly water-ski with the kids, or introducing the little ones to the wonders of our native fish, the rocks below the surface and the stories they hold. We all hold a deep appreciation for the lakes and the rivers right on our doorstep – but it’s a privilege we often take for granted.
Did you know, only 3% of the Earth’s water is fresh? Much of that is tucked underground or frozen in glaciers, too. So while it might seem the norm for those of us lucky enough to call Wānaka and Hāwea home, fresh water is something to be appreciated, taken care of, and protected for generations to come. And that’s where WAI Wānaka steps in.
WAI Wānaka is a non-profit organisation dedicated to ensuring our kids, our grandkids, and our great-great-grandkids can swim in clear rivers and lakes, drink safe water, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Upper Clutha catchment for years to come. They passionately work to protect the habitats of our native taoka (treasured) species – such as the tuna (longfin eel) and pūteketeke (grebe). WAI connect with volunteers, community groups, farmers, councils, schools and local businesses to improve ecosystem health, reverse biodiversity loss and keep our water healthy.
But they don’t just give a man a fish. They also run education and community programmes that aim to teach our whole community how to protect our fresh water. They share their research with the world and provide practical actions so that all the average Joe’s and Jane’s in our community can do their part.
Earlier this year, WAI Wānaka was a recipient of an inaugural Love Wānaka Impact Grant – thanks to funding from the local business community and visitors alike – supporting their efforts to keep our water healthy and educate the wider community along the way. Here’s how that’s going.
Thanks to the Love Wānaka Impact Grant, WAI has been able to:
- Set up an Adopt a Drain webpage
- Support four Adopt a Drain sessions in local neighbourhoods throughout Wānaka, Hāwea, Albert Town and Luggate (bringing the total to 12 workshops run last year)
- Release their spring Adopt a Drain newsletter to participating groups
- Support the installation of ‘LittaTraps’ after business sponsorships, as well as offering clearing and maintenance
- Run two successful community events, with more in the pipeline
Keeping freshwater clean, healthy and protected can often feel like an uphill battle. With biodiversity loss and the slow degradation of our environment, it’s easy to feel like there’s not much we can do to make a real difference. But, there is. And it’s WAI’s goal not only to do their part, but also to empower our community to take action and be part of that same journey.
Drains are Streams is a new programme run by WAI, which gives individuals, businesses and visitors active opportunities to keep our stormwater drains clean. What many don’t realise is that Wānaka’s drains run directly into local waterways, meaning the programme provides a meaningful way of taking action for those involved.
The programme is made up of several activities, including:
Adopt a Drain pledges
Adopt a Drain is an initiative that allows households, businesses and community groups to ‘adopt’ the storm drains in their neighbourhood, reducing stormwater pollution and helping preserve our lakes and waterways.
In short, stormwater systems are designed to prevent flooding by collecting rainwater run-off. But unlike the drains in our homes, water that enters storm drains flows directly into our lakes and rivers – untreated. This includes any pollutants picked up along the way, many of which affect water quality and harm local aquatic species.
Adopt a Drain aims to stop stormwater pollution right at the source. It’s easy to get involved, too – after expressing interest to WAI, they’ll send a team to your neighbourhood for a free, half-hour stormwater workshop. During the workshop, they’ll provide insights about your storm drain network, and practical ways you and your whānau can have an impact. From there, you’ll receive monthly newsletters with practical actions you can take to keep your stormwater drain tip-top.
With support from Love Wānaka’s Impact Grant, WAI delivered 12 workshop sessions last year, with another 12 sessions planned for down the line. According to WAI Wānaka, “the uptake has been huge, and we couldn’t have done it without the Love Wānaka funding.”
‘LittaTrap’ installations
LittaTrap installations are low-cost catchpit inserts that can be set up in stormwater drains to catch litter, debris, and other pollutants before they make it to our waterways. Businesses can sponsor the purchase of these filters, but as part of the Impact Grant, WAI is now able to offer the clearing and maintenance of these traps.
Community volunteer events
WAI is committed to running community volunteer events that help locals and visitors get involved and make a real difference.
With funding support from Love Wānaka, WAI held a successful ‘Get Your Feet Wet’ stream health workshop alongside Otago Fish and Game, Friends of Bullock Creek volunteers, and local soil and water business, Van Walt. And in December, they rallied the troops and held a river clean-up along the shores of the Ōrau / Cardrona River. Placemakers Wānaka brought the all-important BBQ, Wānaka Civil and Interlink Timber Solutions brought trailers and covered the disposal costs of the rubbish, and a total of 43 volunteers helped to remove 1020kgs of waste from along the river. It was truly an inspiring experience for everyone involved.
Look out for more community volunteer events to attend on your own, with the family or business at Love Wānaka’s volunteer events calendar.
Providing seasonal education materials
This includes Adopt a Drain newsletters, which provide monthly actions for participants to help keep their stormwater drains clean and our water healthy. WAI also provides other educational materials for community groups, schools, and individuals wanting to help.
When it comes to protecting local waterways, knowledge is power. Every small action can make a big impact over time – a pebble in a lake, and all that. Here are a few ways locals and visitors alike can do their part to keep waterways healthy and safe.
Get involved
Become part of WAI’s hands-on initiatives. This includes monthly beach clean-ups, ‘Get Your Feet Wet’ stream health workshops, or the Adopt a Drain programme.
Spread the word
Tell your mates, your neighbours, your mums and your local community organisations. When it comes to healthy water, local lakes and rivers need a collective voice, and sharing WAI’s social media, newsletters, or resources are all great ways to grow their movement.
Take action at home
Wondering what tangible actions you can do yourself to make real change? WAI has put together a list of easy actions that you, personally, can do right from the comfort of your home. Here’s how you can take action now.
Donate to a local organisation
For those who are able, consider supporting local environmental organisations to help protect our natural ecosystems. WAI Wānaka relies on donations and grants to fund their mahi, so your donation goes a long way in supporting their efforts to protect Wānaka’s waterways. Or you can support environmental efforts more broadly by making a donation to Love Wānaka or signing on as a Love Wānaka Impact Partner, where 100% of your donation goes to environmental action in our local region. Give what you can, or give in someone else’s name for a meaningful gift that will last a lifetime.
We’re thrilled to support WAI Wānaka in their efforts to protect local freshwater resources and look forward to seeing the impact they continue to have in our community.
