Getting out and about
First of all, we hope everyone is coping with the very challenging Spring weather we’re being confronted with, and that the tough conditions ease as we head into October.
Over the last month, the Thriving Southland catchment team have been meeting more people in the Catchment Groups across the region.
For the ones we’ve met so far, it’s been great to see the plans and ideas the Groups have shared, and we’re excited about where these plans may end up and our role in supporting them.
Some Groups are going big, whilst others are starting with smaller steps, and some groups are happy doing their own thing but know that we’re there for them when they need us.
Ideas are wide ranging, from setting up community get-togethers to increasing local interest in Catchment Group activities, to planning for sediment traps and ponds seeded with freshwater crayfish - exciting stuff!
If you want find out who your local Thriving Southland catchment group coordinator is click here.
We’ve been talking to them about how Thriving Southland can support them. Something that regularly comes up is how we assist them to communicate what they are all about to their local communities - and this is something we’re working with Groups on at the moment.
We’ve also heard from Catchment Groups that they would like easy access to useful information and tools. We know there are some great ones out there but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start in order to find them. We’ve compiled over 150 of these tools and resources onto our website, so you can search by various criteria to find exactly what you need at a click of a button.
Check out the information hub here.
Waihopai Catchment Group Mid Calving/Lambing Get-Together
The Waihopai Catchment Group had a great turnout at its September get-together at the Woodlands Tavern. People chatted about ideas for projects in the Waihopai catchment over a bite to eat and a drink.
Lowther Downs visit
Our Catchment team were stoked to be invited to have a look around Laurie Selbie’s Lowther Downs property high above Five Rivers in northern Southland in September. The team learned about operating a high country property, the native hill country setting, water retention and movement on the slopes and gullies, and the great work being done to combat wilding pines.
Thanks Laurie!
UPCOMING EVENTS
8 OCTOBER
Mid-Oreti Catchment Group event,
This is the first event for the Mid Oreti Catchment Group so come along and show your support. Food and refreshments provided, everyone is welcome to attend, kids included!
The event is at AB Lime Farm, 8 October 3pm-5pm, please RSVP on the Mid Oreti Facebook Page.
Learn about two exciting projects:
- Runoff Detainment Bund - designed to slow the flow of nutrients from the dairy farm hill catchment with some great results reducing sediment and nutrients entering waterways.
- Plant Nursery - AB Lime have grown native plants from collected seeds. Limited experience was needed and hopefully this will inspire you to grow some yourself.
14 OCTOBER
Dipton catchment group plans gaining momentum
A group of Dipton locals are putting the word out to residents to share their ideas around how a local Catchment Group can help the community.
“We read a lot about all these other Groups which are doing great things and we thought ‘why not here’,” Dipton West dairy farmer Frazer Brown says.
Lynden Prebble has lots of knowledge to tap into, and Dipton farmer and Environment Southland Councillor Pete McDonald is always keen to help out, Frazer says.
About eight people came along to an initial get together, and they invited Thriving Southland Catchment Coordinator Poppy Sparrow to a second meeting as they decided on next steps.
“With Thriving Southland, it’s good know there’s money available for projects and ideas.”
Frazer says they drew up a rough plan, read about other Catchment Groups, and thought “let’s not limit ourselves and our ideas - let’s get the wider Dipton public involved, invite them along and see what issues people are interested in”.
Water is a focus but there’s lots of other things to look at as well, he says.
“We have a list of possible projects but haven’t proposed any specific ones yet - we want to see what other ideas come out and go from there.”
22 OCTOBER
Melissa Clark-Reynolds coming to Southland
We’re delighted to be able to bring inspirational business leader and speaker Melissa Clark-Reynolds to Southland.
She talks about how bringing love, connection and understanding into business and farming, and how humanity can help solve some of our greatest challenges, such as climate change.
Melissa will be speaking at the Southland Catchment Group Forum on 22 October and anyone interested in hearing her inspirational story and future thoughts are invited to an evening get-together. Please check the website for RSVP details.
21 OCTOBER
Between the Domes Meeting
Join Between the Domes Catchment Group at their next meeting, 7pm at the Lumsden Senior Citizen Centre. All are welcome.
27 OCTOBER
Te Anau Catchment Group ‘Freshwater Rules’ Information evening
Thriving Southland and the Te Anau Catchment Group invite you to join them at a friendly, social evening on Tuesday 27 October at 7.30pm at Te Anau Squash Club. The evening will include Q&A with expert speakers and panel guests from Landpro, Environment Southland, DairyNZ and Beef +Lamb NZ to answer your questions on the National Environmental Standards.
Ewen Mathieson from the Pourakino Catchment Group will also be present to talk about his experiences being part of a catchment group.
Supper, tea and coffee provided. RSVP to Poppy 021 399 343 to secure your seat (limited seating so RSVPing essential).
Mataura River projects
We’re bringing in inspirational Rangitikei farmer Roger Dalrymple, from Waiatatapia Station and a founder of the Rangitikei Rivers Community Collective, to speak to Southland Catchment Groups in the Mataura. Keep an eye on the Thriving Southland Facebook page for more details.
Trees That Count – deadline for applications
Just a reminder that applications for Trees That Count funding for planting project close on 8 October - check out their website here for more details, or keep them in mind for in the future.
Thanks for taking the time to read our newsletter.
As you see, there is quite a bit going on and more to come. Keep an eye on our websites for events close to you and new resources, tools and information targeted to you and your needs in Southland.
Ngaa mihi
Richard and Ewen
Ewen Mathieson (Thriving Southland Chairman)
Richard Kyte (Thriving Southland Project Lead)
Thanks for taking the time to read our newsletter.
As you see, there is quite a bit going on and more to come. Keep an eye on our websites for events close to you and new resources, tools and information targeted to you and your needs in Southland.
Ngaa mihi
Richard and Ewen
Ewen Mathieson (Thriving Southland Chairman)
Richard Kyte (Thriving Southland Project Lead)
