Regenerating Nature
2022 AWARD FINALIST
Sponsored by Department of Conservation
WAI Wanaka is a charitable trust focused on regenerating nature. WAI creates trust-based partnerships and collaboration, accelerating locally-led action.
The Wanaka region faces complex environmental and land management challenges due to tourism impacts, climate change, escalating pest problems, land use change and urban development pressures. This requires WAI to take a whole systems approach.
The WAI kaupapa is dedicated to creating healthy ecosystems and community wellbeing. This is delivered through the development and roll out of integrated strategies that have clear environmental, economic and social resilience outcomes.
Between 2018 and 2020, WAI engaged and connected multiple stakeholders which resulted in the development of a Community Catchment Plan.
WAI utilises education, engagement, communications, innovative tools and technologies and outreach activities to empower communities to understand their environmental impact. The Trust develops programmes designed to reach all sectors of the community, ages and demographics.