Image: David Schmale ©

About the project

The Our Lakes, Our Future team comprises over 40 national and international researchers and cultural experts passionate about protecting and revitalising the health of lakes in Aotearoa.

Our vision is that lakes in Aotearoa are cherished and thriving. We’ll achieve this by implementing world-leading holistic approaches for characterising lake health, assessing their vulnerability to degradation and climate change, and enhancing lake restoration.

Our research aims

We are developing a set of globally unique approaches to monitoring and managing lakes.

Holistic lake health

We are developing comprehensive approaches to measuring lake health that incorporates cultural values and biodiversity.

Susceptibility & diagnostic assessment

Our team is evaluating vulnerability to degradation, climate change and diagnosing causes of decline.

Lake restoration framework

We are developing an integrated decision-making framework to guide rigorous and effective lake restoration.

Our Team

Our team includes experts in lake and environmental science, mātauranga Māori, social science, and science translators.

Programme Co-leads

Susie Wood
Marcus Vandergoes

Team Members

Ana Tovey
Andrew Rees
Brendon Blue
Chris Moy
Claire Shepherd
Deniz Ozkundakci
Dianne Orihel
Frank Burdon
Geogia Thomson Laing
Henry Gard
Jacob Thomson Laing
Jamie Howarth
Jenny Dahl
John Pearman
Jonathan Puddick
Kathryn Gale
Katie Brasell
Kiely McFarlane
Kirill Shchapov
Konstanze Steiner
Lena Schallenberg
Lizette Reyes
Lucy Thompson
Mckayla Holloway
Mereana Wilson Rooy
Recce Martin
Riki Ellison
Rose Gregersen
Sean Waters
Simon Stewart
Soweeeta For D'Arth
Xun Li