It feels like a degree of uncertainty around the country with the Covid situation - so fingers crossed we can start looking ahead to the warmer months with a sense of optimism - and lots of great Catchment Group happenings!
It’s important to recognise we’ve had a pretty rough spring here in Southland and we hope everyone is coming out the other side of lambing and calving in a good space. Remember to take time to reconnect with neighbours and friends - Catchment Group events are a great opportunity to do that, so keep an eye on what’s coming up.
As we look ahead, we continue to be impressed at the number and breadth of projects underway or being planned by Catchment Groups. There’s everything from a winter cropping trial of different methods of cultivation, groups looking at getting the right wetland in the right areas, sediment trap design work, water testing to build a good picture of where people farm and what’s important, and landscape projects looking at soil types or “what’s under the hood” on the farm. We’ve got a new projects page on our website, so you can see what’s happening and watch the progress - more on that below.
These projects are all being driven by rural communities who know the opportunities and challenges in their backyards - after all, it’s their livelihoods involved.
A reminder to check out the video about our Catchment Group communities if you haven’t had a chance to yet - it outlines the purpose of Thriving Southland and the opportunities for Groups to take the reins in their own areas - watch the video here.
One strong theme that came out of surveys of Catchment Groups was a widespread desire to know more about the cultural and environmental history of Southland - so a quick reminder that the ‘Southland's Environmental and Cultural History’ resource is available FREE on the Thriving Southland website. You can select slides to use within your own presentations, you can present to your Catchment Group or you can on-share the booklet with your community. For more information, click here.
New Projects Page on Thriving Southland website
Check out our new Projects page on the Thriving Southland with information about some of the fantastic projects and happenings throughout our Catchment Group communities in Southland.
We’ve kicked off the page with stories on the Aquavan visits, the Women’s Enviro Series and the Hedgehope Makarewa Catchment Group’s Winter Crop Cultivation Trial - with heaps more to come - check it all out at: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/projects/
Catch up with the latest interview on The Muster
Richard Kyte gives Andy an update on upcoming Catchment Group projects and an overview of our free resource about History of Southland Guide. Listen here.
Cawthron Institute Survey on Catchment and Environmental Groups
Calling all Catchment or Environmental Groups – the Cawthron Institute want to hear from you. You’re invited to take part in their online survey which aims to provide a stronger evidence base for support from industry and government organisations, and to make it easier for Groups to contact each other through online resources. Find out more here. Survey closes 8 October.
Ballance Farm Environment Awards - nominate a Catchment Group
Don't forget to get your entry in for the Ballance Farm Environment Awards! Visit www.nzfeawards.org.nz to find out more, enter now or nominate a mate. We would love to see some of our Southland Catchment Groups being recognised- reach out if you have any questions or need a hand!
Catch up with the latest interview on The Muster
Richard Kyte gives Andy an update on upcoming Catchment Group projects and an overview of our free resource about History of Southland Guide. Listen here.
Cawthron Institute Survey on Catchment and Environmental Groups
Calling all Catchment or Environmental Groups – the Cawthron Institute want to hear from you. You’re invited to take part in their online survey which aims to provide a stronger evidence base for support from industry and government organisations, and to make it easier for Groups to contact each other through online resources. Find out more here. Survey closes 8 October.
Ballance Farm Environment Awards - nominate a Catchment Group
Don't forget to get your entry in for the Ballance Farm Environment Awards! Visit www.nzfeawards.org.nz to find out more, enter now or nominate a mate. We would love to see some of our Southland Catchment Groups being recognised- reach out if you have any questions or need a hand!
Pourakino Catchment Group members busy with several projects
A group of Southland farmers are part of a nationwide initiative aiming to consolidate and accelerate collective actions with a focus on water care. Check out the recent Otago Daily Times story catching up with one of the oldest Catchment Groups in the region. Read more here.
Catchment Group Profile - Upper Aparima
Date the Catchment Group started:
2018
Projects/Events:
Upper Aparima is part of the larger Aparima Catchment Group, ACE (Aparima Community Environment) and its projects, involving four different workstreams.
Upper Aparima Catchment Group holds regular events, meetings and activities, including stream walks, water testing, sediment trap construction and more.
Keep an eye out on the ACE page for dates and more information.
Projects planned - come along and help us decide! Always open to ideas and keen for more members to build on the Group’s momentum.
Best way to get in touch:
Co-facilitator Patrick Oostveen
patrickoostveen@gmail.com
0274670711
Spring into action - get in touch with us if you need some support or advice
Thriving Southland Catchment Coordinator Sarah Thorne caught up with the Mid Oreti Catchment Group Leadership Team in late September to hear about all their ideas for the next few months.
Let the Thriving Southland Catchment Team know if you need any support getting your Groups going again after a busy winter/spring and the recent Covid-19 lockdown. We are here to help - you can get in touch with your local coordinator here.
Upcoming Events
Balfour Catchment Group Meeting
Wednesday 13 October, 7.30pm to 10pm
Venue TBC
Balfour Catchment Group meeting to go over the draft project proposal and work through everyone's feedback.
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ACE Event
Thursday 14 October, 12pm to 5pm with presentations at 12.30pm / 2.30pm
Farmlands Otautau
Get an update, ask questions, and head into planting season with more confidence.
Join us for a short 30-minute presentation followed by questions on what you need to know about winter grazing and sowing crops for winter 2022.
We will have rural professionals, cakes and coffee available from midday if you would like to call in and pick up resources and have a chat. Supported by Environment Southland and local stakeholders. Please register your interest to Rachael 021 566 229.
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Between the Domes Catchment Group Meeting
Thursday 14 October, 7.30pm to 10pm
Venue TBC
Between the Domes Catchment Group meeting to discuss 'whats next' for our two major projects; Bale Wrap - Investigating our Options and the Community Survey and Wetland Project.
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Lower Waiau Farmers Catchment Group
Thursday 21 October, 7.30pm
Waiau Town & Country Club
Join the Lower Waiau Farmers Catchment Group for a catch up and to hear from water quality experts so we can understand what all the different water quality testing numbers mean for the Waiau and what we can influence as a Catchment Group.
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Upper Mataura Catchment Group
Tuesday 9 November, 4pm to 6pm
Parawa Stream + Woolshed
Join the newly formed Upper Mataura Catchment Group for a BBQ and field day to look at stream health. What does a healthy stream look like and how can we see if our own streams are looking good or need improvement?
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Hold the press – Matt Chisholm wellbeing “bar leaner” chats
17/18 November
Venue TBC – more information coming soon
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Upper Mataura Catchment Group Committee Meeting
Tuesday 30 November, 7pm to 9pm
Venue TBC
Join the newly formed Upper Mataura Catchment Group Committee to help determine the plan of work for 2022.
Keep well and warm,
Ngā mihi
Richard Kyte (Thriving Southland Project Lead) and the Thriving Southland Team
