Water feature flows after five years

Wanaka's new lakefront water feature was first proposed five years ago by Richard Windelov (right...
Wanaka's new lakefront water feature was first proposed five years ago by Richard Windelov (right), who celebrated its long-awaited completion with some of the project's volunteers and supporters yesterday afternoon. Photo by Lucy Ibbotson.
As the water was turned on for Wanaka's new $50,000 lakefront springs project yesterday afternoon, a small crowd of supporters, volunteers and contractors raised a collective cheer.

Water from the Lakeside Rd natural springs soon bubbled through the rock pool next to the lake, between the dinosaur playground and the Wanaka marina, marking the culmination of five years of work.

The project was instigated in 2007 by Richard Windelov, who established the Wanaka Springs Trust and began fundraising for a permanent water feature in the town. The Wanakafest Community Trust became involved in 2010 and agreed to help fund the project with money raised during its Stonewood Homes house build the previous year.

The project ran into difficulties last year when a permanent, long-term water supply from the springs on Lakeside Rd could not be found. However, an article in the Otago Daily Times prompted a response from residents in the area who were able to help find a suitable source.

Mr Windelov has helped build the feature in the past couple of months along with other volunteers and contractors. He said at the celebration barbecue it was "amazing" to see his long-held vision become a reality.

"It was important to me how it was done, and it was done with a good attitude by a lot of people, a lot of love," he said.

A theme of love is evident throughout the water feature, with a heart-shaped pool and heart-shaped rocks, placed by project workers and the public.

"It might create a bit of a phenomenon."

Lyrics to Maori love song Tai Aroha had appeared written in wet concrete during construction of the feature, and were retained under a wall.

Made from local stone, including schist slabs with carved korus on them, the water feature also includes pounamu on to which water flows before spilling in to the pool.

At 2pm today, there will be a spiritual blessing for the feature.

An official opening ceremony will be held during the Willowridge Wanakafest Weekend in October.

- lucy.ibbotson@odt.co.nz

 

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