A keen group of 7 met up in September 2020 to discuss the possibilities and get the ball rolling.

In March 2021 a few of the group put their heads together to work out the best way to entice the community out of their homes and into the pub to talk catchment group opportunities, why be involved and what to do first. They decided hearing from Catchment Group leader extraordinaire Jane Smith, from the NOSLAM (North Otago Sustainable Land Management) Group would do the trick!

Jane very kindly came to Balfour in June 2021 to share her many wisdoms, experiences and to light a motivational fire for the Balfour Community. A social and informative night at the pub was well attended, informative and enjoyed by all.

The group followed up Jane's inspiring and direction-giving night with a meeting at the Balfour Rugby Club in July 2021. This meeting had the focus of understanding the Balfour landscape - soil, geology and water. Scientist, Dr. Clint Rissmann gave a fantastic presentation which sparked some great big-picture ideas for a potential catchment group project.

Up next in August 2021 is a scoping meeting to turn the ideas into a draft plan of action. Then to consult with the catchment group on the draft, make necessary adjustments and look to apply for some funding to help undertake a project... Watch this space!