What’s Clean Water Worth to You This World Water Day?
As World Water Day approaches, WAI Wānaka is encouraging residents and visitors to pause and consider a simple but powerful question: What would you pay to keep your favourite swimming spots clean and safe?
In Aotearoa, access to lakes and rivers is free – a privilege many of us enjoy without thinking twice. Yet behind the clear water and iconic views lies a constant need for care. Protecting freshwater ecosystems requires monitoring, restoration work, and strong community involvement.
World Water Day, established by the United Nations in 1993, highlights the importance of freshwater and the global effort to achieve safe water and sanitation for all. This year’s theme focuses on water and gender equality, acknowledging how reliable access to clean water underpins healthy, fair, and thriving communities.
The 2025 United Nations World Water Development Report, themed ‘Glacier Preservation’ remains available to the public. It underscores the rapid loss of glaciers worldwide and the increasing unpredictability of global water cycles. Meltwater from mountains supports billions of people, and climate-driven changes are contributing to more frequent floods, droughts, and water scarcity.
Here in our rohe (region), we rely on the lakes and rivers for drinking water, swimming, and everyday wellbeing. Our communities thrive because of these precious natural resources - yet the health of these waterways is declining, facing contamination from increased pressures and invasive species.
Local charity WAI Wānaka is leading a series of events to mark World Water Day and raise awareness of local water quality issues. Whether you are into beer, oysters, French onion soup, a good coffee or the RIPE Food and Wine Festival, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
This Friday (20 March), everyone is invited to WAI’s Dawn Plunge at the Wānaka Lakefront from 7am (opposite the Pembroke skate park - look for the WAI flags). A sunrise dip to celebrate, reflect and take action for a fairer water future. Followed by a hot drink and some kai, the free event is open to all ages. Registration is required via waiwanaka.nz/events/
Across the hill, Patagonia Queenstown will be supporting WAI Wānaka on World Water Day (Sunday 22 March), offering visitors the chance to learn more about WAI’s mahi and donate. The full schedule of events is available at
waiwanaka.nz/world-water-day-2026/.
This World Water Day, WAI Wānaka invites everyone to reflect on the value they place on clean, safe water - and consider how we can each play our part in protecting it.
Stay connected by joining WAI’s newsletter, follow them on social media or exploring volunteer opportunities at www.waiwanaka.nz.
