Understanding the impact of Wānaka’s lakefront development on biodiversity, water quality, and community values is the motivation behind a new project initiated by community group WAI Wānaka (Water Action Initiative).

The five-stage Lakefront Development Plan (LDP) will transform the lakeside area between the Wānaka Watersports Facility and the Wānaka Marina. Stage one included new carparks and a public toilet and stage three, which will open on Monday, (October 11), introduces a shared pedestrian and cycle pathway, a boardwalk and native planting. 

“The purpose of the project is for WAI Wānaka...to assess how the development has met its goals to ‘restore and develop ecology through ecological enhancements’ and ‘improve land use within the lakefront’,” WAI Wānaka education and outreach coordinator Jose Cranfield said.

As part of the project, WAI Wānaka is surveying the community to ask people about interaction, enjoyment and engagement with nature at the lakefront.

“We hope to find out whether a managed amenity planting can produce a functioning native ecosystem and increase community engagement with nature,” Jose said.

“We will survey again in a few months to measure any increase in interaction, enjoyment and engagement with nature after the developed area is open.”

The survey is currently live and will close next Wednesday (October 13).

In addition to the survey, Mount Aspiring College (MAC) students have started measuring baseline water quality including gaining data on the populations of freshwater macroinvertebrates which are good indicators of water health. 

Students will also measure the change in populations of ‘small beasties’ found among the vegetation on land; looking at the type and abundance of native versus introduced species over time.

WAI Wānaka undertakes a range of projects that sustain water quality, ecosystem function, and biodiversity in and around the broader Upper Clutha catchment.

PHOTO: Supplied