Preserving Paradise

If you lived in one of the most divine locations on earth what would you do to preserve it? In Wānaka, nestled amongst breathtaking scenery on the southern shores of the crystal clear Lake Wānaka a quiet revolution is taking place. Drive into the town and your eyes will be diverted from peaks that dwarf you to billboard signs that turn the word lake into the word love. It’s a story of a community that has chosen to confront one of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change. This is the story of a campaign that exemplifies the power of collective action and local leadership in the face of global environmental crises.

Love Wānaka began as a vision, a part of the district- wide Destination Management Plan: Travel to a Thriving Future. The initiative was born from the realisation that to preserve the natural beauty that draws thousands of visitors each year, the community needed to take decisive action. Just over a year since its inception, Love Wānaka has grown into a model for environmental stewardship.

The campaign is anchored by the Love Wānaka Community Fund, which recently announced its first round of grants, distributing over $35,000 to four local organisations dedicated to climate action, conservation, and biodiversity. This funding, made possible through the generous support of local businesses and visitors, is set to fuel a range of projects that promise to make a significant impact.

Among the grant recipients is Te Kākano Aotearoa, a native plant nursery that is spearheading revegetation efforts in the region. By planting thousands of native trees, Te Kākano is restoring natural habitats and enhancing biodiversity. Then there’s Wānaka Backyard Trapping, a grassroots initiative that empowers residents to combat invasive species threatening local wildlife. Through this project, everyday citizens become conservationists, playing a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

WAI Wānaka is another standout project. This organisation focuses on the health of local waterways, vital arteries that sustain both human and ecological communities. By implementing programs to monitor and improve water quality, WAI Wānaka ensures that these life-giving resources remain clean and vibrant for generations to come.

The Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group is tackling the pervasive problem of wilding pines, an invasive species that disrupts native ecosystems. Through dedicated eradication efforts, this group is reclaiming the land, allowing native flora and fauna to thrive once more.

Each of these projects, while diverse in their focus, shares a common goal: to protect and enhance the natural environment of Wānaka. The success of Love Wānaka lies in its collaborative approach. “Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do,” says Ash Bickley, coordinator of the Love Wānaka Community Fund. This sentiment is echoed throughout the community, where partnerships between local businesses, residents, and environmental organisations have become the norm rather than the exception.

Looking ahead, Love Wānaka continues to innovate. An additional $8,500 has been invested in a local endowment fund, ensuring that environmental efforts can be supported well into the future.

The impact of Love Wānaka extends beyond environmental benefits. It fosters a sense of community and shared purpose, inspiring residents to become active participants in the stewardship of their home. It also sets a powerful example for visitors, showing that sustainable tourism is not just a possibility, but a reality in Wānaka.

Want to support this community of changemakers? Head to www.lovewanaka.co.nz to join the mission.