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Mana Tāhuna has been leading the restoration of this site since 2020, fostering a deep sense of connection to this place and revitalising the wetland ecosystem for generations to come. This work has involved planting native species, removing invasive weeds, and improving water quality through sediment trapping – with partnership at the heart of it all.
Mana Tāhuna is a kaupapa Māori charitable trust dedicated to positive social, cultural, and environmental outcomes for the Tāhuna (Queenstown) community. Established in 2020, Mana Tāhuna provides whānau with opportunities to connect, grow, and thrive, while also caring for Papatūānuku (Mother Earth).
With 16 kaimahi (staff) engaging over 250 whānau (families) each month, their work balances social, cultural, and ecological outcomes – from hauora (health) and whānau (family) wellbeing, to the restoration of critical freshwater catchments.
At the heart of Mana Tāhuna’s environmental mahi is a simple belief: when the whenua (land) is healthy, whānau (people) will thrive. Their goal for Waiwhakaata is to make the lake swimmable, and in an ao Māori worldview, drinkable, by 2040. Following years of degradation, this goal is now within reach.
Improving the water quality has meant working across the catchment, and the community, embedding care for the environment into everyday land practices.
Impact at a glance
Combined, these efforts have improved water clarity, while native species are returning and wetlands are regenerating – visible signs that the lake’s mauri (essence) is strengthening.
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This work has only been possible through collaboration. Key project partners include Friends of Lake Hayes and e3 Scientific, with additional support from Whakatipu Reforestation Trust, Southern Lakes Sanctuary, WAI Wānaka, Whakatipu Wildlife Trust, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Otago Regional Council, Te Mana O Te Wai, Otago Catchments Communities, Rod Drury, Patagonia, Simplicity Kiwi, Trees That Count, Wilderlabs, and other neighbours and organisations.
Earlier plantings were supported by Love Queenstown industry planting days alongside wider community volunteers, and ongoing care has ensured these efforts continue to thrive. Bringing together schools, businesses, community groups, and funders, this is true community-led restoration.
An $8,000 Love Queenstown Impact Grant supported site maintenance sessions throughout 2025 and 2026, which have now been completed. Mana Tāhuna kaimahi (staff) and volunteers hand-weeded, removed invasive species, and re-mulched young seedlings, ensuring the 150,000+ plants established earlier continue to thrive. This side of restoration is resource-heavy and often happens behind the scenes, but it is essential to protecting young seedlings and preserving the gains already made.
By investing in maintenance, Mana Tāhuna can safe guardearlier efforts and ensure the lake’s recovery continues to build momentum. These collective efforts have strengthened biodiversity, supported wetland health, and contributed to a more resilient freshwater ecosystem.
Mana Tāhuna’s goal remains ambitious yet simple: to do themselves out of a job. The next phase of restoration has already been achieved, with an additional 22,000 trees planted at Slopehill Reserve, while ongoing care across the wider catchment continues to support Waiwhakaata – Lake Hayes’ health.
This work demonstrates what is possible when mātauraka Māori (Māori knowledge), science, funding, and community action come together. With continued effort, the lake – and everything it sustains – will continue to heal and thrive for generations to come.
Watch the full video to hear from Michael Rewi and seethe restoration of Waiwhakaata in action.
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