Water is central to life in Wānaka.
It’s the thrill of diving into a cool, clear river on a summer’s day, the laughter of family and friends paddling across the lake, or the quiet moment watching the sunrise mirrored in glassy waters. For many, it’s where adventures begin, and where memories are made.
But the lakes and rivers we cherish won’t stay healthy on their own. Despite their abundance, freshwater makes up only 3% of the Earth’s water, much of which is frozen in glaciers or trapped underground. What we enjoy every day here is precious – and it needs our care to stay that way.
That’s where Wai Wānaka steps in.
Wai Wānaka is a community organisation working to protect the health of the Upper Clutha’s lakes, rivers, and ecosystems. Their work ensures that future generations can swim, drink, and explore these waters safely and joyfully.
They protect habitats for treasured native species like tuna kuwharuwharu (longfin eel) and pūteketeke (grebe), and connect volunteers, schools, farmers, local businesses, and councils to take collective action for freshwater health. Wai also runs education programmes and provides practical tools that make it easy for everyday people to make a difference.
Earlier this year, Wai Wānaka received a $4,959 Love Wānaka Impact Grant, funded through donations from local businesses and visitors. This funding helped launch Summer on the Lake – a campaign designed to educate the boating community and lake-users of all creeds about sustainable boating practices.
This summer, you’ll find the Wai team chatting with locals and visitors at beaches, boat ramps, and around town. They’re sharing tips, answering questions, and helping everyone understand how to enjoy the lake while protecting it.
Wai have also created an easy-to-use online toolkit with checklists, simple actions, and local service directories, so anyone can reduce their impact when on the water. And through their Summer Survey, the community can have their say and help shape future freshwater protection initiatives.
If you can boat in it, you can protect it. Wai’s simple, practical actions include:
Our lakes and rivers are more than just photo-worthy backdrops – they’re the beating heart of our region. They connect ecosystems, support native species, underpin community wellbeing, and shape the experiences that make Wānaka what it is.
Through the Love Wānaka Impact Grants, we’re proud to help amplify Wai’s mahi this summer, supporting accessible education and empowering lake-users to take meaningful action every time they head out on the water.
Because when it comes to freshwater, every bit counts. Every tip followed, every conversation sparked, every small change in behaviour – it all adds up.
Because when our lakes and rivers are healthy, so are we.
Watch the short video above to hear from Lottie, Wai Wānaka’s Community Coordinator, about their Summer on the Lake initiative and the practical ways locals and visitors can help keep our waterways healthy.
