Our Vision

Why a river parkway and trail?
The Clutha Mata-Au is a world-class river and a major regional and national asset. Unfortunately, it is threatened by further hydro dams and is being quickly degraded by subdivision developments, reduced recreational access, loss of farmland and open spaces, habitat damage, invasive species, ever-increasing water extraction, and so on. Degradation will continue unless we act soon to better protect this environment for the benefit of all.

The many issues facing the Clutha Mata-Au River corridor need to be addressed collectively and consistently from Lake Wanaka to the Pacific Ocean. At present, this is not possible because there is no integrated management of the river corridor. There is no single river corridor designation or zone, and there is no integrated management body.


Our vision is
To protect and improve the natural, recreational, and cultural values of the Clutha Mata-Au River environment within the river corridor, from Lake Wanaka to the Pacific Ocean, by establishing a Clutha Mata-Au River Parkway and Trail, with an integrated management 'Body' to safeguard the public interest with a long-term vision.