WAI Wānaka has released its 2025 Impact Report, outlining a year of freshwater protection work across the Upper Clutha alongside significant changes to how the organisation is funded.

The report details almost 2,000 people engaging with WAI Wānaka through events and citizen science initiatives during the year, with volunteers contributing 1,923 hours to environmental projects. 

A further 4,000 native plants were planted to support biodiversity restoration, while education programmes reached 1,988 students.

WAI Wānaka also worked with 95 partner organisations and community groups over the period.

Chief executive Cat Dillon said the results reflected strong community participation in freshwater protection work.

“These results show what’s possible when communities work together for the health of local lakes and rivers,” Cat said.

“But the challenge is growing - and the funding landscape has changed significantly. “

The report said the past financial year marked a “reset” for WAI Wānaka, following a rapid shift in the funding environment affecting environmental organisations across the country.

Government funding made up 35 percent of WAI Wānaka’s income in FYE25, down from 79 percent the previous year, with the remainder coming from grants and donations, the report said.

Despite the change, the organisation maintained a core team and continued delivery of freshwater monitoring, education and community science programmes.

The report said individuals, landowners, farmers, schools and businesses across the Upper Clutha continued to contribute time and expertise toward freshwater protection, helping build a broader understanding of lake and river health.

It also noted that while the region’s deep-water alpine lakes continue to have high water quality, changes are occurring gradually, reinforcing the importance of ongoing monitoring and early intervention.

Looking ahead, the report said WAI Wānaka is working toward a more balanced funding model in FYE26, with income expected to come from a mix of government contracts, partnerships with corporate and philanthropic organisations, and support from local trusts, businesses and individual donors.

“Pressures and threats to freshwater are increasing, and the health of the alpine lakes sits at a crossroads that we can’t ignore,” Cat said.

“We need the community’s support to keep this vital work going.”

Read the full report here.

PHOTO: Nat Symonds