It may be planning a ''low-key'' celebration for its 50th anniversary, but the Waitaki Lakes and River Committee since its formation has had a huge influence over turning the Waitaki lakes into an attraction for thousands of visitors every year.
The committee plans to celebrate the anniversary on Saturday, April 26, next year, 50 years to the day since the first meeting of 51 people was held in 1964.
Committee chairman Ross Andrew, of Waimate, said the low-key celebration would include a morning tea, reminiscing, a welcome, lunch, a guest speaker and the cutting of an anniversary cake.
It was hoped two of those who attended the original meeting and were still alive - Struan Munro, of Otematata, and Sid Hurst, of Papakaio, would come.
Mr Andrew asked other people involved in developing the lakes and involved with the committee would contact him to arrange to attend.
While it is 50 years on and the barren lake surrounds now bristle with facilities and shelter, Mr Andrew is worried about the committee's future, despite his belief it still has a role to play.
''We are starting to struggle to get members. For example, we desperately need a secretary,'' he said.
The committee was formed at the instigation of the North Otago Tree Planting Association, Oamaru doctor Eric Stubbs and with the support of local Member of Parliament Allan Dick, who became its first chairman.
The aim was to recognise and develop the full potential of the Waitaki hydro lakes - Benmore was to be commissioned the following year and Aviemore was in the pipeline.
To some extent, it was prompted by what was left after the Tekapo development and the failure to capitalise on the recreational values of the lakes to provide an economic boost for communities left behind.
One of the first jobs of the committee was not landscaping or development, but the fight to preserve the level of Lake Ohau, which was to be raised to store more water. That fight was won and, instead, the Pukaki dam's depth was increased.
The first lakeside development and landscaping through the committee took place at Sailor's Cutting and Haldon on Lake Benmore, both now popular camping areas with water supplies, toilets, plenty of shelter, boat-launching and swimming facilities.
Over time, other areas, from Lake Middleton at Lake Ohau to Fisherman's Bend below the Aviemore dam, were planted and developed.
The pace picked up when Aviemore dam was constructed and further facilities were established both sides of that lake. That was helped by the support of hydro project engineers of the time, including upper Waitaki engineer the late Max Smith, who provided some of the resources.
About 20 years ago, the committee extended its overview to the Waitaki River as well, adding ''River'' in to its name.
One of its more recent projects was a landscape appraisal of the Waitaki lakes, identifying future development, what trees needed to be replaced after 50 years and how the areas could be maintained.
