About Thriving Southland
Who is Thriving Southland?
Thriving Southland is a community-led group with a vision to create a prosperous Southland, healthy people, healthy environment from the mountains to the sea.
By working together, Thriving Southland’s communities will create a better future for all by protecting Southland’s prosperity, heritage, environment and health.
What is a Catchment Group?
A group of people who identify with a geographical area, usually based on a river or lake catchment, working together to take action towards a common vision.
Why are Catchment Groups so great?
When farmers and the community get together to discuss local issues and opportunities, great things can happen. Contact our catchment group coordinators to find out more.
How can Thriving Southland help me?
We are here to connect you with members of the farming community and to support you on this journey. We provide free resources, support great events and empower you to take ownership of local issues so they can be addressed and resolved. Our dedicated team of coordinators is here to encourage and develop groups, get projects off the ground and inspire community action.
Thank you to all the contributors to Thriving Southland, including the farmers and community members who are part of Catchment Groups driving change and environmental improvements in their backyards.
Meet the Team
Richard Kyte
Project Lead
027 298 7786
richard@thrivingsouthland.co.nz
Sandra King
Project Manager
021 488 180
sandra.king@thrivingsouthland.co.nz
Sheree Forsyth
Project Administrator
021 466 700
sheree@thrivingsouthland.co.nz
office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz
Rachael Verhaegh
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.
Sandra Campbell
Catchment Coordinator
021 400 431
sandra@thrivingsouthland.co.nz
I am a proud country girl, originally coming from a Mataura Island sheep farm, and now farming with my family on our equity partnership dairy farm in South Otago. I have a passion for connecting rural communities and our agricultural industry. I also have a rural banking background, and a strong involvement in our local water catchment group.
Poppy Sparrow
Catchment Coordinator
021 399 343
poppy@thrivingsouthland.co.nz
I’m originally from Mid-Canterbury, but am now a proud Southlander, farming sheep and beef in Dipton alongside my partner Grant. My background is in business management and graphic design. I have a passion for agriculture and supporting farmers, and being immersed in farming compelled me to get involved with Thriving Southland.
Ewen Mathieson
Farmer - Dairy, Beef, Sheep
Board Member, Interim Chair
Lynden Prebble
Farmer - Beef, Sheep
Between the Domes Catchment Group, Board Member
Jon Pemberton
Farmer - Dairy, AgProud
Three Rivers Catchment Group
Board Member
Neil Gardyne
Farmer - Beef, Sheep, Cropping
Board Member
John White
Farmer - Dairy
Lower Aparima Catchment Group Board Member
Kate Scott
Environmental
Consultant
Board Member, Vice Chair
Deane Carson
Sheep and Beef Consultant Advisory
Paul Marshall
Farmer - Dairy
Waiau Rivercare Group
Board Member
Andrew Hunt
Fonterra Sustainability Advisory
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