Major players in Lake Hāwea environmental management have joined forces to strengthen their impact in the area.

The newly formed Lake Hāwea Stakeholder Group (LHSG) includes a range of members who share the goal of improving the Lake Hāwea environment for future generations. 

The group was initiated by local farmers in the Lake Hāwea Catchment Group, and is supported by the Guardians of Lake Hāwea.

The newly formed Lake Hāwea Stakeholders Group. PHOTO: Supplied

Membership includes Otago Regional Council, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Land Information New Zealand, Contact Energy, and WAI Wānaka. 

Group chair Richard Burdon of Glen Dene Station and The Camp, said the LHSG’s key goal is to bring greater synergy and coordination to environmental action in the area.

“Having all these organisations connected and aware of what each other are doing will improve the way we work for our environment,” he said.

“Sharing knowledge and resources will make our environmental efforts a lot more effective.”

The group will initially focus on ways to optimise resources and outcomes, for example by streamlining animal and plant pest control work. 

The group also intends to create an action plan for biodiversity, biosecurity and water quality outcomes, and advocate for research into best practice methods for protecting water quality and ecosystem function specific to Lake Hāwea and its outstanding alpine environment.