In September 2016, the then Lake Hāwea Guardians chairwoman Barbara Chinn stands where she thinks the level of the lake was at the same time in September 2015. The minimum operating lake level was raised to 338m above sea level in 1985 after a review. The Upper Clutha Angling Club are asking why Contact Energy should be allowed to reverse that and lower the permitted level of Lake Hāwea by up to 6m. PHOTO: TIM MILLER "Asking Contact to manage lake levels is a bit like asking a dog to guard a steak — the outcome is as predictable as it is inevitable," the Upper Clutha Angling Club chairman said in a statement.