Waiwhakaata is turning a corner

For years, Lake Hayes has been one of those places people loved and worried about in equal measure.

Known as Waiwhakaata, or “waters of reflection”, the lake holds deep cultural significance as a taoka for Kāi Tahu within the wider Whakatipu landscape. Its reflections have long drawn people to its shores.

But beneath that mirror-like surface, Waiwhakaata was reflecting decades of accumulated pressure across its catchment. Sediment build-up, nutrient run-off and declining water quality had taken their toll, and many wondered whether the lake could ever fully recover.

Today, the data tells a different story.

Monitoring shows the amount of sediment entering Waiwhakaata has fallen dramatically, from around 2,300 tonnes a year in 2020 to less than 400 tonnes last year. Water clarity has improved, significant algal blooms have become less common and the lake is showing genuine signs of recovery. The lake's clarity is now the best it has been for years and the long-term trajectory is moving firmly in the right direction.

The latest monitoring results tell us the lake is getting healthier. They also tell us something about the community that helped make it happen.

Behind every tonne of sediment kept out of the lake are hundreds of individuals who care deeply about this place. For nearly 20 years, the Friends of Lake Hayes have championed the health of Waiwhakaata, bringing together scientists, agencies, landowners, funders, volunteers and community groups around a shared vision for the future of the lake. All the work has been guided by a simple principle: fix the catchment and you'll fix the lake. 

Many of those involved have lived alongside the lake for decades. They've watched generations learn to row, walk, swim and explore its shores. Alongside its deep significance to Kāi Tahu, Waiwhakaata has long been woven into the life of the wider community. Those involved understood it was more than a body of water.

As a partner in the Wai Whakaata strategy group, QLDC is proud to play its part. Working alongside the Friends of Lake Hayes, Kāi Tahu, the Otago Regional Council, the Department of Conservation, landowners and the wider community, Council has supported long-term catchment restoration, improved sediment management and a shared commitment to the future health of the lake.

The job isn't finished. Restoring a lake is measured in decades, not months or years. But the results emerging from Lake Hayes show what can happen when a community stays committed to a problem for long enough to solve it.

As communities across New Zealand look for ways to restore rivers, lakes and waterways, Waiwhakaata offers a model of what can be achieved when good science, local knowledge, community passion and long-term collaboration all pull in the same direction. Waiwhakaata getting healthier is worth celebrating. Its recovering waters are beginning to reflect something back to us: the difference our collective actions can make.

If you'd like to see the progress for yourself, join the Walk Into Light community nature walk around Waiwhakaata Lake Hayes on 24 October. Hosted by Whakitipu Wildlife Trust and the Headlight Trust, the relaxed 5km sunrise walk will explore the lake's ecology, restoration story and cultural significance, with opportunities to learn about local wildlife and restoration efforts along the way. The walk departs from Lake Hayes Pavilion at 7am, with morning tea and community activities to follow. Get your tickets here.

Want to help write the next chapter?

Mana Tāhuna Charitable Trust is looking for volunteers to help restore the mauri of the lake through planting, predator control and maintenance. Extra hands are currently needed to help service a predator trap line near the lake. It takes just a few hours each month, and all training, equipment and support are provided.

There are also plenty of opportunities to get involved in planting and maintenance projects throughout the year, whether you're coming along as an individual or as part of a community group, club or workplace team.

To find out more or get involved, contact alice.lord@manatahuna.co.nz