The future of Otago’s deep alpine lakes took centre stage last week as more than 25 experts, mana whenua, policy makers, and community members gathered for the two-day Alpine Lakes Forum in Wānaka.

Hosted by WAI Wānaka Kāi Tahu, University of Otago and Otago Regional Council, the forum aimed to bridge the gap between scientific research and community action - and organisers say the response exceeded expectations.

"We were privileged to host such a high calibre of speakers across the two days,” WAI Wānaka CEO Cat Dillon said.

Attendees heard from a wide range of speakers on themes of freshwater management, ecological monitoring, valuing nature and freshwater ecosystems, and community action.

“A clear theme emerged: collaboration is essential, everyone has a role to play; and we must act now - before the situation becomes more critical.”

The Wānaka App attended Thursday’s (November 27) University of Otago research showcase, where seven experts discussed research on a range of topics.

They included Wānaka freshwater scientist Chris Arbuckle, who outlined his research into the Matukituki River.

He said water quality in the river’s headwaters remains “extremely good”, but land-use impacts on smaller waterways and tributaries further downstream have affected its overall health.

The same was true at Glendhu Bay, where smaller inflows influence lake health at the main bay.

WAI Wānaka CEO Cat Dillon said she was excited to turn the forum’s conversations “ into concrete actions and next steps”. PHOTO: Nat Symonds

Chris has worked extensively alongside farmers to “take the science to them” to help influence positive change.

The showcase also featured Dr Roe Stuart, who is commencing a four-year research project to better understand the ecosystems of the South Island’s deepest lakes - including Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea - about which much is still unknown.

“When we get down to that really deep habitat we don’t know what’s down there and what is supporting it,” Roe said.

In the session attendees also heard from associate professor Marc Schallenberg, who talked about the discovery of lake snow in Lake Wānaka, and Alice Gilbert, who highlighted the emerging threat of microplastics, among others.

The Alpine Lakes Forum, which built on the success of 2023’s Knowledge into Action for Otago’s Alpine Deep-Water Lakes Summit, took place at Edgewater Resort.

Cat said WAI Wānaka was thrilled with the “incredible feedback” following the forum.

“We're excited to turn these conversations into concrete actions and next steps."