Otago Regional Council (ORC) has committed to forming a deep lakes technical advisory group following a successful workshop held in Wānaka last week. 

The Knowledge into Action for Otago’s Deepwater Lakes Workshop, organised by WAI Wānaka with support from Otago Regional Council (ORC), brought Australasian experts to Wānaka to discuss Lakes Wānaka, Lake Hāwea, and Lake Whakatipu.

WAI Wānaka trustee and Guardian of Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea member Don Robertson said the event marked a “pivotal moment” in the commitment to protect Otago’s deepwater lakes.

“It emphasised the importance of collaboration, shared knowledge, and the determination of all stakeholders to preserve these invaluable natural resources,” he said.

Representatives from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s Office, the Department of Conservation, the Ministry for the Environment, University of Otago, NIWA, Cawthron Institute, Griffith University, Manaaki Whenua, and key community groups were among those at the workshop.

Last week’s Knowledge into Action for Otago’s Deepwater Lakes Workshop. PHOTO: Supplied

ORC chair Gretchen Robertson said the council was lucky to have so many groups dedicated to improving the local lakes.

“Identifying key research needs through the establishment of a technical advisory group has been a goal of this governance group, [and] we’re so pleased that WAI Wānaka led this really valuable event.”

Don said the formation of the group “will enable the bridging of the gaps between catchment-based initiatives to enhance inflowing water quality and the actual quality of lakes water”. 

“We know what is being done in the catchments, but we have not been able to measure whether catchment improvements have made a difference to lakes health.”

WAI Wānaka chair Dr Amanda Bell said the workshop has been a “catalyst for action”.

“A key win has been developing relationships and shared understandings across science and research, local and central government and community groups,” she said.

“This community is ready, willing and able to be part of the solutions that are going to come from this workshop.”