WAI Wānaka’s ‘Adopt a Drain’ initiative is going nationwide.

The programme gives households, businesses and community groups the opportunity to ‘adopt’ a storm drain in their neighbourhood, making a pledge to reduce stormwater pollution.

The local organisation is now working with the national organisation the Endangered Species Foundation on its own stormwater outreach programme.

“It’s been amazing to work with Jose from WAI Wānaka and share this wonderful project with the rest of Aotearoa,” Endangered Species Foundation general manager Natalie Jessup said.

WAI Wānaka has sent 100 steel fish (which decorate local drains to remind users of where the stormwater goes) to the Endangered Species Foundation’s North Island office.

Natalie said the foundation was “really looking forward to engaging communities across the motu about the endangered freshwater fish species that urgently need our help, and what they can do to help”.

The steel fish were first created by freshwater scientist Chris Arbuckle and the community group Touchstone and the latest batch (comprising longfin eel/ tuna and climbing galaxias /kōaro steel fish) was produced by local business Wai Innovation using off-cuts of steel from previous projects. 

“We especially love that these ika (fish) signs are made from scrap steel,” Natalie said.

Endangered Species Foundation general manager Natalie Jessup and intern Lesedi with their new steel fish.

WAI Wānaka communications co-ordinator and education support Jaylene Harper said the organisation was “thrilled to see our Adopt a Drain initiative taking off in other parts of the country”.

“Stormwater pollution is a nation-wide challenge,” she said. 

“Many residents are unaware that what enters our storm drains flows untreated into our waterways, affecting the health of our drinking water and the fish species that call our lakes and rivers home.” 

Twenty-one Upper Clutha neighbourhoods have ‘adopted their drains’ since the initiative began, including six early education centres and schools.

Jaylene encouraged locals to consider adopting a drain.

The latest batch of steel fish, which were produced by local business Wai Innovation using off-cuts of steel from previous projects. 

She said WAI Wānaka’s Adopt a Drain sessions are a “fun and easy way to get involved”.

“These 30-minute sessions are family-friendly and free of charge. Best of all – we come to you.” 

Learn more about WAI’s Adopt a Drain programme here or get in touch to support the initiative or adopt a drain by emailing [email protected]. 

PHOTOS: WAI Wānaka