24 Dungarvon St, Wanaka (03) 443 7805 hello@mymessenger.co.nz mymessenger.co.nz Volume XLVIII | No. 11 | 18 March 2026
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DAWN PLUNGE TO MARK WORLD WATER DAY Sunday 22 March
This World Water Day, Sunday, 22 March, WAI Wānaka invites everyone to reflect on the value they place on clean, safe water - and consider how we can each play a part in protecting it. Established by the United Nations in 1993, the international day highlights the importance of fresh water and the global effort to achieve safe water and sanitation for all. This year’s theme focuses on water and gender equality, recognising how reliable access to clean water underpins fair, healthy and thriving communities. Here in our rohe (region), we rely on the lakes and rivers for drinking, swimming and everyday wellbeing. Our community thrives because of these precious natural resources, yet the health of these waterways is in decline, facing contamination from increased pressures and invasive species. Local not-for-profit WAI Wānaka is raising
Submitted by Danielle McNaughton
awareness of World Water Day, and the issues affecting local water quality. A range of events and initiatives are happening across Wānaka, offering something for everyone - whether you enjoy beer, oysters, French onion soup, a good coffee, yoga or the RIPE Food and Wine Festival. Visit: waiwanaka.nz/world-water-day-2026 for the full schedule and ways to get involved. To mark the occasion, WAI is hosting a Dawn Plunge on Friday, 20 March and everyone is invited. Gather at 7.00am at the Wānaka lakefront, opposite the Pembroke skate park. Take a sunrise dip to celebrate water, and take action for a fairer water future. This free, all-ages event includes hot drinks and kai, with pre-registration required at: waiwanaka/nz/events. This World Water Day is a reminder that protecting the waterways we love is a shared responsibility – now and for generations to come.
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Relaxation at the water’s edge Give the gift of relaxation with an Edgewater Gift Card. Choose your amount, and let your loved ones enjoy lakeside dining or a restful escape. Purchase online or at our front desk www.edgewater.co.nz or call 03 443 0011