WAI Wānaka’s has released a new 60-second short film, ‘Water is Life’.

The film, which captures locals using water at different stages of the water cycle, aims to draw attention to and increase understanding of the water cycle and peoples’ role within it.

Watch ‘Water is Life’ here.

“As we say, water is life and when it is safe and healthy, so are we,” WAI Wānaka chief executive Cat Dillon said.

“It’s vital we have a stable water cycle, but to be able to play our part, we – as a community – need to understand more about it.”

Water is Life was directed by Tim Pierce of The Beards with Brand+Butter director Zoe Hawkins leading the creative direction.

It was filmed at Lake Hāwea, Lake Wānaka, Bullock Creek and on Glen Dene Station, with talent ranging from WAI staff, trustees, tamariki and crew jumping in front of the camera.

Cat said the film is more than just a video – it is a call to action.

To accompany the film, a webpage has been created on WAI’s website to look more closely at the water cycle with information on each stage, what the pressures or external impacts are, as well as what we can all do to help. 

Zoe said she knew filming would take place at some less-than-ideal locations.

“What we didn’t expect was how murky and barren some of the locations would be. It reminded the crew why we were there,” she said.

“...we all need to understand what’s happening and do what we can to protect these vital lakes and rivers, before it’s too late.”

PHOTO: Deanna Gerlach