Water
The Whakatipu (2022) and Upper Clutha (2019) water reports are two parts of one district-wide project. The work began in 2018 with public forums where hundreds of locals shared their concerns. Volunteer task forces then spent several years turning that feedback into a science-based plan.
Both reports aim for “Pure Water” by 2040–2050 – water that’s safe to swim in and drink without treatment. They point to shared pressures from fast growth and ageing infrastructure, and call for a “mountains to the sea” approach. Key steps include strong baseline monitoring, polluter-pays models and greater personal responsibility across the district.
