WAI Wānaka and Contact Energy will work together in a new partnership aimed at achieving greater outcomes for freshwater and biodiversity, WAI Wānaka says.

The partnership will support the work WAI Wānaka has been delivering with communities for the past nine years and builds on Contact Energy’s environmental programmes, WAI Wānaka chief executive Cat Dillon said. 

“WAI is all about working alongside others to maximise the positive impacts we can achieve collectively,” Cat said.

“We remain firmly committed to evidence-based management of the alpine lakes and their catchments [and] advocating for the best outcomes for freshwater and biodiversity in our rohe/region.” 

She said partnering with Contact Energy allowed the two to share complementary expertise and work together on local programmes such as stormwater and water quality monitoring, ecological restoration, and community outreach and education.

Contact’s broader environmental efforts in the Clutha/Mata-au catchment include its native fish management programme, which involves facilitating native fish passage at the hydro dams and riparian enhancement projects across the lower catchment. 

“Partnering with WAI Wānaka will help us better understand how we can take care of the local environment around the Clutha Mata-Au renewable hydro scheme and strengthen how we engage with the local community,” Contact head of hydro generation Blair Croall said.

WAI Wānaka chair John Rodwell said the partnership “isn’t about agreeing on every issue”.

Contact Energy recently submitted a fast-track application to lower the permitted level of Lake Hāwea by up to six metres, a move the Guardians of Lake Hāwea say could have “devastating impacts” on the environment, lake health, and landscape amenity.

Read more: Controversial lake level application submitted

“On matters such as Contact’s application to alter the operating range of Lake Hāwea, WAI Wānaka will continue to support our community in accessing the information they need to understand what’s proposed,” John said.

WAI Wānaka is a not-for-profit community organisation accelerating local action for freshwater to ensure healthy ecosystems and community wellbeing.

PHOTO: WAI Wanaka