All about
Thriving Southland

Ginny Kennedy

Catchment Coordinator
021 914 765
ginny@thrivingsouthland.co.nz

After twelve years farming sheep and beef in the Wakatipu I moved to the Te Anau area two years ago with my husband and two teenage children.

Originally from a farming family in the Mid Canterbury high country I studied at Lincoln and have been farming and working in the Farm Environment field since then.

Prior to joining Thriving Southland I was part of the Landpro Farm Environment team building relationships across the sheep, beef and deer plus dairy space.

I am passionate about the Agricultural industry and thrive on supporting farmers and catchment groups tackle the challenges and achieve sustainable outcomes.

Rachael Halder

Senior Catchment Coordinator
‭021 566 229‬
rachael@thrivingsouthland.co.nz

I’m lucky enough to have grown up on a farm and am passionate about rural life and all aspects of agriculture. Before joining Thriving Southland I was working in Scotland for LIC and prior to this I was a Local Agribusiness Manager for Westpac. Farming is increasingly diversified, and working within the primary sector has provided me with the chance to learn and experience a range of opportunities and challenges. I look forward to working with farmers and catchment groups to drive positive change, sustainability and prosperity

Sarah Thorne

Catchment Coordinator
‭027 588 5200‬
sarah@thrivingsouthland.co.nz

I love working with Southland's Catchment Groups and all the agencies and people that support them. I put my heart and soul into my work, and love seeing the real and lasting changes we are making across Southland. Southland is an amazing place to live and raise a family that love water like mine do.

Tania Clarke

Catchment Coordinator
021 399 343
tania@thrivingsouthland.co.nz

I’m a proud Southlander, growing up on a deer farm near Balfour. I left to study and work in art gallery management before returning to Southland to farm alongside my husband Alan. We grow grain, farm deer and run our agricultural contracting business during the warmer months. I have a passion for rural life in the deep South and believe there is no better place to live and raise a family.

Tessa Miller

Catchment Coordinator
‭021 400 431‬
tessa@thrivingsouthland.co.nz

I am a born and bred Southlander, with strong ties to both the dairy and sheep & beef industry. After studying at Lincoln University, I worked for both DairyNZ and Landpro, in their environmental teams. My husband and I are lucky enough to have joined his family sheep and beef farm in Otama, where we are excited to take on the challenge of balancing productivity with environmental responsibility on our land. The opportunity to support and learn from other farmers and growers, while contributing to the growth of the Southland region and the network of catchment groups, is an exciting one!