STORMWATER DRAIN SIGNAGE

The marking of stormwater drains with fish symbols in Wanaka was originally initiated by Touchstone, an organisation concerned to keep the waters of our lakes and streams free from pollution. Friends of Bullock Creek have called this project “Fish on Drains” although the symbols have expanded to represent not only trout /taraute but eels / tuna, galaxiids / koaro and crested grebe / pūteketeke.

By affixing permanent labels on the street drains that flow into Bullock Creek, FOBC is seeking to remind not only the residents who live near Bullock Creek, but anyone who sees them that storm water ends up in Bullock Creek and ultimately Lake Wanaka. It’s in everyone’s interest to keep our drains free of pollutants.

FOBC’s “Fish on Drains” Project is continuing on with the work started by Touchstone in the Bullock Creek catchment. Truly a joint venture with other catchment and community groups, FOBC has been assisted by Chris Arbuckle from Touchstone who had the metal fish & bird silhouettes manufactured, the Wanaka Community Workshop who helped with a drill press and Wai Wanaka who has produced an “Adopt a Drain” leaflet which FOBC has distributed to Bullock Creek neighbours and joined us when when we have been affixing the signage to street stormwater drains.

The FOBC Fish on Drains project began at the end of August 2023 and in the streets adjacent the Wetlands. FOBC will be working their way downstream in 2024 to engage Bullock Creek neighbours in the project and raise awareness of the importance of keeping pollution out of Wanaka stormwater drains.