WAI Wānaka work on the ground with local individuals, visitors, catchment groups, landowners, councils, businesses, community groups and schools to improve ecosystem health, reverse biodiversity loss and keep our water healthy. 

Our lakes and rivers are in crisis, through contamination from nearly everything we do on land and in the water. Pollution, runoff, development and recreation are threatening the very lifeblood of our ecosystem. The real danger? We don’t yet fully understand the extent of the damage we have already done. Without the right data, we risk making ineffective decisions—or worse, doing nothing. This uncertainty puts us all at risk.

The stakes are high: If we don’t act now, once-clear waters will become polluted, murky, and lifeless. We’ve seen this happen in communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. Our community is clear that we don’t want to that happen here. It’s a massive challenge to prevent further damage and reverse the damage already done.

WAI Wānaka’s research, education and community programmes seek to ensure that everyone who touches the water acts to protect it. Together we will ensure that future generations will drink safe water, swim in clear rivers and lakes, and enjoy the natural beauty of this amazing place for years to come.