Community stories

Collaboration makes the catchment stronger

Thursday 20 November 2025

Lake Hāwea

The Lake Hāwea Stakeholders Group has brought together local groups the Guardians of Lake Hāwea, WAI Wānaka, the Farmers Catchment Group, local tourism operators, and many others to coordinate and amplify conservation outcomes in the Lake Hāwea catchment. 

Lake Hāwea
Lake Hāwea

A simple but powerful idea, rather than each working in isolation, the stakeholders group fosters coordination across biodiversity, water quality, biosecurity, and catchment management actions. Collaborating on a number of projects ensures the long-term sustainable management of the lake.

The group is currently working on projects to educate the next generation of Hāwea children, tourists, and the local community to ensure the catchment maintains a healthy ecosystem for generations to come.