Alpine Lakes Forum 2025

Following the success of the 2023 Knowledge into Action for Otago’s Alpine Deep-Water Lakes Summit, the 2025 Alpine Lakes Forum will bring together scientific experts, policy-makers and community members to explore the health and future of Otago’s deep lakes and freshwater ecosystems.  

While the 2023 event focused on expert working sessions, the 2025 Forum shifts toward a more accessible and community-facing format, blending cutting-edge research with local experience and public dialogue.

The Forum offers a platform for learning, relationship-building and collaboration across science, policy and place-based action.

With a diverse programme across two days, this event will allow audiences to engage with themes of freshwater management, ecological monitoring, valuing nature and freshwater ecosystems, and community action.

Day 1 | Freshwater Futures

Lake Wānaka Centre | Wednesday 26 November 2025, 12:30pm – 6:30pm 

Focus: Regional science, monitoring insights, and community engagement

Day 2 | Researchers’ Perspectives: Provocations & Possibilities

Edgewater Resort, Wānaka | Thursday 27 November 2025, 12:00pm – 7pm

Focus: Academic research, ecosystem values, and deeper scientific inquiry

Full programme release to come

The Alpine Lakes Forum is jointly hosted by: 

• Otago Regional Council – sharing regional freshwater strategies and monitoring insights. 

• University of Otago – showcasing current and emerging academic research in freshwater science.  

• WAI Wānaka – connecting citizen science and natural capital approaches to community outcomes.