We're #hiring! Apply today or help us spread the word by sharing with your network.
WAI Wānaka
Environmental Services
Wanaka, Otago 602 followers
Accelerating community action for fresh water.
About us
WAI Wānaka is a non-profit organisation made up of passionate individuals with a shared vision of healthy ecosystems and community wellbeing for future generations. WAI's team is on the ground, working with local individuals, catchment groups, landowners, councils, businesses, community groups and schools to improve ecosystem health, reverse biodiversity loss and keep the water healthy.
- Website
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https://waiwanaka.nz/
External link for WAI Wānaka
- Industry
- Environmental Services
- Company size
- 11-50 employees
- Headquarters
- Wanaka, Otago
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 2016
- Specialties
- habitat restoration, pest control, community collaboration, predator control, native planting, plant maintenance, carbon planning, freshwater, catchment groups, rural, science communication, and biodiversity
Locations
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Primary
Get directions
185 Riverbank Rd
Wanaka, Otago 9382, NZ
Employees at WAI Wānaka
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Sarah Taylor
Finance and People Manager at WAI Wānaka
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Marissa Adelstein, MSc Sustainable Development
Sustainable Development Professional, Environmental advocate, Water enthusiast, Internationalist, Avid learner
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Julie Perry
Supporter of community-led action
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Catherine Dillon
Interim CEO at WAI Wānaka
Updates
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New year, new you? WE ARE #HIRING! We have two exciting positions at WAI for 2025: 1. Community Activator Are you ready to inspire and mobilise our community to protect the environment? We are looking for a Community Activator to engage all ages through events, citizen science and hands-on learning. This is a full-time role with flexibility in work schedule available. Part-time and job-sharing options will be considered for the right candidates. 2. Communications Specialist Are you a talented communicator with a passion for creating change? We are looking for a full-time communications specialist to craft compelling content, drive our strategy and build awareness through storytelling, media, and online engagement. This is a full-time role with flexibility in work schedule available. Part-time and job-sharing options will be considered for the right candidates. Head to our website (link below) to learn more and apply today. Help us spread the word by sharing with friends and whānau who might be interested: https://waiwanaka.nz/jobs/ #jobs #hiring #wānaka #hāwea #communications #community #outreach #freshwater #environment #aotearoa #workwithus #hybrid
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Alarm bells are ringing for the deepwater lakes we treasure. This decline isn't new, we've been seeing the signs for some time now. It's why WAI Wānaka exists: to bring people together and turn the tide. Protecting local waterways takes all of us, working as a community. More research is needed to fully understand the extent of the issue, but one thing is clear - future generations deserve to swim in clear waters, drink healthy water and enjoy this special place for years to come. Article: Otago Daily Times (13 Dec)
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We're grateful to Patagonia Tāhuna, Sustainable Queenstown, and everyone who joined the kōrero last week about freshwater health. A special thank-you to Veronica Rotman for sharing her PhD research and for being a key part of our 'Teeny Tiny Truth' microplastics project here at WAI. Together, we can protect the deepwater lakes and rivers of our region through learning, collaboration and a collective voice. 🩵
Enviro & Marketing Lead at Patagonia Aotearoa | Founder & Chair at Forward Whakatipu
As Melinda Chouinard once said, our Tāhuna Queenstown store is a gift to the community. Providing space for local nonprofits to talk about the critical issues facing our local freshwater, terrestrial and marine ecosystems is one of our reasons for being, and I'm honoured that we have the ability to put on such high quality, informative and often interactive events for our community. One such event was a fantastic night last Thursday with our grantee WAI Wānaka with around 40 attendees. Darren Rewi gave a beautiful introduction and Karakia in Te Reo Māori to open the event, before Jose Cranfield from WAI situated the room on pressures to our local freshwater. Guest speaker Veronica Rotman shared a presentation and short film on her mahi around microplastics, and had the room in stitches several times... a welcome moment amongst some serious topics. I spoke briefly about the elephant in the room—being surrounded by synthetics in store—and we finished with some local actions from Sustainable Queenstown. Post speakers, the majority of the audience stayed behind for a drink, a chat, and to have a look through the microscope that WAI had brought into store with some microplastics samples from Lake Whakatipu. It was epic to see a genuine engagement with the science—kudos to the speakers for making it fun! Thank you to the team at WAI Wānaka, especially Jaylene Harper, Jose Cranfield and Cat Dillon, for putting together an epic event. As always, it is a pleasure working with you!
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As a non-profit organisation, we don't always have access to the equipment needed for monitoring local waterways during our community events. Dirk Van Walt and his team at Van Walt NZ have kindly offered their time and instruments at our 'Get Your Feet Wet' sessions time and time again, helping us collective robust data with ease alongside volunteers. Kā mihi nui Van Walt NZ! #Community at its finest.
In the 18 years I have lived in Wanaka I have watched the town grow at a prolific rate. Infrastructure and subdivisions appear out of nothing, and many do their part to monitor and limit the environmental effects. Van Walt is proud to have supplied a number of monitoring stations for exactly this purpose. More still do their part to protect, maintain and in some cases rebuild the pearls that make this town so beautiful. One such pearl is the Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs Reserve. Now surrounded by residential properties this wee wetland oasis has been beautifully restored and maintained. The benefits to preserving these spots are (other than a paradisical place to wander in and enjoy) an urban sanctuary for flora and fauna and (rightly or wrongly) a buffer between the new subdivisions and the lake. To those involved I say thank you. To those out for a wander, I say Enjoy!
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The future of farming is here – literally! Yesterday’s Agri-Tech event showed just how exciting the future of farming is – and how local farmers, innovators and organisations are playing a vital role in shaping it. From exploring new technologies that prioritise biodiversity and freshwater values, to building relationships and connections, it was a day full of energy, ideas, and amazing kai (thank you Now Bao!). Supported by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and proudly sponsored by New Zealand Rural Support Trust, Resolution Farming App, The New Zealand Merino Company, and b.effect brewing company, the event brought together a variety of people who are passionate about progress in farming. A huge thank-you to Julia Jones for her fantastic work as MC, and to our inspiring event speakers for sharing their expertise: Paul Kavanagh (Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust) Geoff Ross (Lake Hāwea Station) Kyle Wills (WSP in New Zealand) Josh Ellison (Rewiring Aotearoa) Matt Taylor (OPR ELECTRICAL LTD) We’d also like to acknowledge the amazing exhibitors who showcased the latest in agri-tech innovation: Airborne Solutions (with an epic drone demo) WSP in New Zealand Halter The New Zealand Merino Company Resolution Farming App OPR ELECTRICAL LTD Landpro Limited FarmIQ Systems Ltd New Zealand Rural Support Trust To everyone who attended, thank you for taking part. The future of farming is here, and it’s inspiring to see so many in our community contributing to its growth and success! 📷 Deanna Gerlach #Agritech #nzfarming #progress #futureoffarming #biodiversity #freshwater #Wānaka #Hāwea
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24-year-old swimmer Liv Schmid is taking on the challenge of a lifetime: swimming the entire 44km length of Lake Wānaka, from Makarore / Makarora to the Wānaka lakefront. "Swimming has always been a part of my life, and over the years, the water has taught me about resilience, dedication, and community," Liv says. "This February, I will take on the greatest challenge of my career: a 44km swim to raise funds for freshwater conservation and our next generation of swimmers." Liv’s swim will support WAI Wānaka and the Wānaka Swim Club, combining our shared missions of protecting water and empowering the next generation to enjoy and care for the deepwater lakes. We’re blown away by Liv’s determination (44km straight – how incredible is that?!) and her selfless decision to raise funds for WAI alongside the local swim club. Kā mihi nui Liv - you are a legend! Follow Liv’s journey on Instagram: @liv.toswim and support her incredible cause below: https://lnkd.in/gavRiuQa Go Liv!
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Who knew enjoying incredible wine and kai could also help empower the next generation to protect local waterways?! 🍷💧 We are thrilled (and immensely grateful) to announce that Ripe - The Wānaka Wine and Food Festival have chosen WAI as their environmental initiative partner for 2025. Thanks to their collaboration with EnviroTix, ticket fees from next year's festival will directly support our education and school programmes, connecting tamariki to local lakes and rivers through hands-on learning, outdoor adventures and citizen science. A huge thank-you to Ripe and EnviroTix for investing in the health of local waterways and future generations. Learn more about EnviroTix and purchase your ticket for Ripe 2025 below: https://lnkd.in/gc_q6rX3 #ForFutureGenerations #KāMihiNui
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Calling all farmers and rural professionals of the Upper Clutha 📢 📢 Join us for a FREE agri-tech event next Wednesday, the 27th of November in Wānaka! Dive into the latest innovations shaping the agriculture sector, connect with industry leaders, and explore ideas driving the future of farming. Spaces are limited – register using the link below: https://lnkd.in/gCTdYabN This event is supported by Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Resolution Farming, The New Zealand Merino Company, New Zealand Rural Support Trust, and b.effect brewing company. Speakers and/or exhibitors include: Rewiring Aotearoa, WSP in New Zealand, CarbonCrop, AIRBOURNE SOLUTIONS LIMITED, Halter, The New Zealand Merino Company, Resolution Farming, OPR ELECTRICAL LTD, Landpro Limited, FarmIQ Systems Ltd, FTP, New Zealand Rural Support Trust and Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust.
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This year, we're especially grateful for the support of Environment Hubs Aotearoa, a nationwide collective helping drive community-led solutions that empower regeneration and resilience. Despite significant funding cuts, their commitment to environmental action and community connection has not wavered. A big mihi to the team at EHA for their dedication and continued mahi nationwide 💙🙌.
🌱 Celebrating the collective biodiversity restoration efforts of Environment Hubs Aotearoa members across Aotearoa! Their dedication to restoring and regenerating our beautiful natural spaces makes a significant difference, and ensures we can all continue to enjoy them now and for generations to come. Join us in supporting these loyal efforts to #SafeguardOurFuture: https://lnkd.in/gmJiqdN2