Upper Clutha residents are being asked for their opinion on how land and water resources in Otago’s Upper Lakes, including Wānaka and Hāwea, should be managed.

Otago Regional Council (ORC) staff are visiting Queenstown and Wānaka this month, seeking local knowledge and views on keeping waterways healthy and safe to contribute to the development of ORC’s new Land and Water Regional Plan.

ORC Dunstan Ward councillor Gary Kelliher said community input into the plan is vital.

“We know the community is concerned about preserving water quality in the Upper Lakes, and we want a Land and Water Regional Plan that addresses these concerns to ensure waterways stay healthy for future generations to enjoy.” 

“The community’s goals and preferences for local waterways, combined with the science ORC has collected and input from iwi, will guide how ORC proposes to manage land and freshwater in the Upper Lakes [region].”

The Upper Lakes region covers the lakes of Wakatipu, Wānaka and Hāwea, from their tributaries to their outlets, including the catchments of the Greenstone, Dart, and Rees Rivers, the Makarora, Matukituki and Hunter Rivers, as well as smaller tributaries, such as Bullock Creek, Minaret Burn and Timaru River.

Gary said he hoped people from all around the area would come along and share what they want for their environment.

“Whether you’re an angler, a swimmer, a farmer, a food gatherer, or you just love our waterways, come and tell ORC what you think should be in the Upper Lakes section of Otago’s new Land and Water Regional Plan,” he said.

Public meetings are being held on November 17 (Queenstown) and November 18 (Wānaka) to encourage locals to drop in, listen to discussions, and provide feedback.

On November 18 the Lake Wānaka Centre will be open from 11:00am for people to drop in and share their thoughts; iwi and council staff will also make presentations and lead discussions from 12:30-2:00pm and again from 7:00-8:30pm. 

Alternatively, public submissions can be made to the ORC webpage here. 

PHOTO: Wānaka App