George Luty
L-GHEE
Partner: Ngā Ara Whetū: Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society

Lake Pupuke, located in North Shore Auckland, faces a growing threat from invasive species like algae that disrupt its delicate ecosystem. Throughout my research, I realised that the urban space of Lake Pupuke wasn't beneficial and could spread to other urban lakes. I came to the conclusion algae and humans do not co-exist beneficially.

My solution aims to mitigate this issue by establishing a comprehensive cleaning station in Lake Pupuke to stop the spread of algae. This station will offer visitors and watercraft users the means to clean their kayaks thoroughly before and after use, preventing the unintentional spread of invasive species. The cleaning stations include a solution with 5% detergent, and you can spray the brushes or the kayak, whichever is more convenient.

This product safeguards Lake Pupuke's biodiversity in an urban environment and promotes responsible environmental stewardship in the community. It addresses the urgent need for invasive species prevention, ensuring this cherished natural resource's long-term health and vitality. This project aims to protect Lake Pupuke for current and future generations, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for its well-being.

The station includes a poster so kayakers can understand the process and read information about the ecological state of Lake Pupuke.