• Welcome
  • Projects
    • LINZ 'Jobs for Nature' >
      • Bridge to Bridge >
        • Plants
      • Community Vision Report
    • Community Planting
    • Lakeside Clean-up
    • Ripple Effect: Guest Speakers
    • Community Tool Shed
  • The Issues
    • History of the lake
    • Lagarosiphon
    • Silt/Sediment
    • Water Quality
    • Recreation
    • Pests
    • Biodiversity loss >
      • Protecting our Birds
  • Get Involved
    • Become a Friend
    • Donate
    • Sponsors >
      • Sponsor Registration
  • About Us
    • Contact us
    • Work For Us
    • Health and Safety
  • Stay Updated
    • Lake Plans + Resources
Lake Dunstan Charitable Trust
  • Welcome
  • Projects
    • LINZ 'Jobs for Nature' >
      • Bridge to Bridge >
        • Plants
      • Community Vision Report
    • Community Planting
    • Lakeside Clean-up
    • Ripple Effect: Guest Speakers
    • Community Tool Shed
  • The Issues
    • History of the lake
    • Lagarosiphon
    • Silt/Sediment
    • Water Quality
    • Recreation
    • Pests
    • Biodiversity loss >
      • Protecting our Birds
  • Get Involved
    • Become a Friend
    • Donate
    • Sponsors >
      • Sponsor Registration
  • About Us
    • Contact us
    • Work For Us
    • Health and Safety
  • Stay Updated
    • Lake Plans + Resources
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History of the lake

​It’s been nearly thirty years since Lake Dunstan, with her many moods, took shape behind the million-cubic-metre hunk of concrete known as the Clyde Dam.

The project was the largest of an ambitious National government’s ‘Think Big’ schemes and the story is a colourful one featuring a town that drowned, fault lines, fire bombs and eye-watering budget blow-outs. Construction wound up in the mid-1990s but work on the new lake and shoreline, to create a promised recreational asset, was never completed.
​
Learn more
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The Issues

From invasive aquatic weeds to 1 million cubic metres a year of sediment depositing in our waters, we have a lot of issues impacting our wildlife and mental & physical well-being.

There is much work ahead if we are to restore native ecosystems, eradicate pests and improve recreational use on and around our lake. The trust is working to bring together the work of stakeholders and the community to make it happen.
Learn more
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Projects

In March 2021 the trust was lucky to receive funding from LINZ through the 'Jobs for Nature' programme. This has allowed us to increase our restoration work and community outreach to improve our environment for wildlife and people.

From planting days to lakeside clean-ups, we are working with stakeholders, the council and the community to make it a safe and healthy place for all to explore, relax and enjoy.
Learn more

How you can Help

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​Join the Friends of Lake Dunstan
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​
 Help create a healthy and safe environment for both wildlife and people both now and for many years to come! We need lots of passionate locals and businesses to help create a legacy that will live on for generations!
Join
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Support the Charity

​As a charitable trust, we are reliant upon the kind support of volunteers and donations from our local community. At over 26 km², it's a big job caring for this lake, and we need your help (and money) to make a difference.
Donate
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Become a Corporate Sponsor
​

We are ramping up our operations to help transform Lake Dunstan. Become part of history by becoming a corporate sponsor. In return, your business will be published on our website for the whole town (and world) to see!
Register now

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​​Bringing together the needs of the community (Clutha/Mata-Au) and the activity of stakeholders (Kawarau) to achieve a healthy and happy environment for people and wildlife (the junction).
Charity Reg: CC57320
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  • Welcome
  • Projects
    • LINZ 'Jobs for Nature' >
      • Bridge to Bridge >
        • Plants
      • Community Vision Report
    • Community Planting
    • Lakeside Clean-up
    • Ripple Effect: Guest Speakers
    • Community Tool Shed
  • The Issues
    • History of the lake
    • Lagarosiphon
    • Silt/Sediment
    • Water Quality
    • Recreation
    • Pests
    • Biodiversity loss >
      • Protecting our Birds
  • Get Involved
    • Become a Friend
    • Donate
    • Sponsors >
      • Sponsor Registration
  • About Us
    • Contact us
    • Work For Us
    • Health and Safety
  • Stay Updated
    • Lake Plans + Resources