A more than two-decade-long campaign to reclaim Lake Wānaka from an invasive aquatic weed has reached a significant victory, with 40 kilometres of shoreline now successfully cleared.
Land Information Minister Chris Penk said this milestone marked a real triumph for the beautiful Lake Wānaka ecosystem and for everyone who treasures this iconic place.
“For the first time since 2013, Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) has been able to shift the lake’s containment line, the invisible boundary separating weed-free and infested waters, marking real progress in a long and determined fight to turn the tide in our favour,” said Penk.
“Lagarosiphon grows extremely quickly and forms dense, thick mats. Left unchecked, it can choke waterways, smother native plants, and ruin how we use and enjoy our lakes. All it takes for a new invasion is a tiny fragment carried by a boat, a fishing line, and lake users moving between different bodies of water.”
Penk added that the clearing of lagarosiphon is a testament to the sustained commitment of LINZ, its partner agencies, local groups, and the wider community, who have shown the power of working together to protect the freshwater ecosystems.
Innovative control methods, particularly the use of hessian mats, have been vital on the front lines, acting as underwater shields that suppress lagarosiphon while allowing native vegetation to regroup and reclaim ground.
“Ultimately, the goal for LINZ is to keep pushing that containment line further south towards Roys Bay near the Wānaka township, and we will need every ally we can get,” added Penk.
“I want to acknowledge the lake users who have been diligent in checking, cleaning, and drying their gear and to urge them to keep up the good work. Their ongoing vigilance is crucial to preventing this aquatic enemy from regaining a foothold and to ensuring we maintain the progress we have made.”
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