All about
Thriving Southland

Poppy Hardie

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

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!

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.

Stacey Stuart

Catchment Coordinator
021 566 229
stacey@thrivingsouthland.co.nz

I’m a proud Southlander, I grew up in a dairy farming family and now the proud owner of a small sheep, and beef farm just west of Invercargill.

After finishing my studies at the University of Otago I worked for the Southland Regional Council.

I believe that when communities lead the way, we see more meaningful and lasting outcomes not just environmentally but socially and economically. I’m genuinely excited to support catchment groups who often bring a practical, can-do attitude and that classic number 8 wire mentality to the table. Working alongside these groups offers a unique opportunity to combine local knowledge, innovation, and shared values to create resilient landscapes and thriving rural communities.

Benita MacLean

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

Hailing from a sheep and beef farm in Motueka, I have now landed in the beautiful Southland. My background includes experience in farm systems, erosion control and land management, banking and community engagement. I am passionate about farm environmental progress and supporting young people into agriculture. I am excited to connect with the motivated and inspiring people who make the Murihiku region so special.