It’s been a big February with the Southern Field Days at Waimumu a highlight.
They only roll around every two years and have a real expo-type feel with lots of amazing, innovative people showcasing their products and services. It reminds us that nothing stands still, and how quickly things can change whether it be a new way to fence stock, a bold new farm mapping system or a minor tweak to an existing task that can be a gamechanging time saver.
We had a fantastic time at Waimumu with plenty of yarns with familar faces and some new ones. There seems to be a lot of positivity and confidence around the rural sector at the moment and no doubt some great business was done during the three days.
Huge congratulations to the Waikawa Catchment Group who have been announced as Catchment Group Showcase for Southland at the Ballance Farm Environmental Awards (more below).
One of the most satisfying aspects of Catchment Group happenings in Southland is seeing new faces attending events – there’s nothing like a bit of fresh energy being injected into a Group – something we’ve noticed across recent events.
Finally, remember to save the date for our Everything to Gain – What Really Matters: Paddock to Markets event on 6 May. There are some incredible speakers coming to Southland and we can promise it’ll be an amazing day!
All the best for a fabulous March.
News
Waikawa Catchment Group: Finalists in the Ballance Farm Environmental Awards
The Waikawa Catchment Group have been announced as the Catchment Group Showcase for Southland at this year’s Ballance Farm Environmental Awards. Judging took place on Monday 2 February, and despite the pouring rain, a few brave members gave the judges a guided tour of project sites, sharing the story of their mahi.
Thank you to Alison, Kathryn, Marsh, Darryl, and Craig for representing the Group and highlighting the incredible work happening across the catchment.
Since 2009, this very active Group has grown from a small neighbourhood initiative, now working across 18,000ha—about 80% of the catchment. Their efforts, from erosion mitigation and native planting to community workshops and digital planning, protect rivers, wetlands, and the estuary while supporting productive farming. The Waikawa Catchment Group continues to foster biodiversity, local resilience, and sustainable land management, and is now expanding into pest management and biodiversity corridors. The Awards are being held on 1 April at the Ascot Park Hotel. Best of luck to the Waikawa Catchment Group.
Funding opportunity through Rural Women New Zealand
Scotland’s Te Kiteroa Charitable Grant administered through Rural Women New Zealand is a fund that aims to support projects and activities focused on children, the elderly, community, conservation, counselling or education. Applications open 16 March to 30 April. Click here to learn more.
Catchment Group Farmers and the Thriving Southland team get Īnanga training
In January, Katie, Stacey and Sarah, along with a few Southland farmers, took take part in an Īnanga (whitebait) training run by DOC and Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust. The two-day workshop explored Īnanga lifecycles, habitat needs, and the pressures they face, along with hands-on training in spawning surveys, egg identification, and restoration planting. They’re excited to take this knowledge back to their coastal Catchment Groups and work together to help protect and restore inanga habitat across our waterways.
Board update from Chair, Jeff Grant
The Board has recently refreshed our long-term strategy, reaffirming Thriving Southland’s commitment to a future where rural communities lead environmental change through local innovation rather than top-down regulation.
We are focused on providing "tools, not rules," empowering our 37 Catchment Groups to leverage high-quality scientific data for on-farm solutions. These initiatives are designed to protect water quality, reduce carbon footprints, and support biodiversity, with an eye on system profitability.
To foster deeper collaboration, the Board has established three strategic drivers to guide our work: Lead, Connect, and Engage.
Through Leading, we champion grassroots success stories that set a benchmark for the rest of New Zealand.
By Connecting, we bridge the gap between scientific research and practical on-farm application.
By Engaging, we ensure every voice within our rural community is heard and valued.
This proactive approach ensures that Southland remains at the forefront of sustainable farming. Looking ahead the ongoing shifting consumer expectations and maintaining market access will be vital for our region’s long-term prosperity and Thriving Southland is committed to meeting those expectations with the right tools for Catchment Groups to implement within their communities.
Board profile – Alexis Wadworth
Alexis and her husband Nick farm an 8000 SU sheep and beef property in Central Southland, where they are raising their young family. Before returning to the farm, Alexis spent nine years in rural banking across Southland and Waikato, working with dairy, drystock and horticulture businesses and holding regional leadership roles.
Alexis and Nick Wadworth
A founding member and current co-chair of the Makarewa Headwaters Catchment Group, Alexis has been involved with Thriving Southland since its inception and was elected to the Board in 2024. She brings practical farming experience, governance training through community and industry roles, and strong leadership capability developed through both her professional career and business interests.
Alexis is passionate about the role farmer-led Catchment Groups play in driving sustainable rural progress. She is committed to connecting farmers, science and communities to deliver practical, on-the-ground outcomes. In 2025, Alexis was elected to the Catchment Communities Aotearoa board where she is focused on sharing Southland’s progress, learning from other regions, and advocating nationally to strengthen and demonstrate the impact of catchment groups.
Recent Events
Mid Ōreti monthly mini forest nursery drop-in sessions are go for 2026!
Central Southland College Silver Duke of Edinburgh students Mackenzie, Ella and Amelia, learning how to pot up native plants and earning some hours towards their awards.
We started the year with a bang with 17 people at our first session! All of our 3300 plants got weeded and some of our pittos got upgraded into bigger pots. We loved all the new faces especially the three Central Southland College students doing their Silver Duke of Edinburgh volunteer hours, and the Driscoll Family. Our next session is a summer seed collecting one, focusing on native grasses and flaxes, and we are just about to finalise how many plants we will make available for locals to buy ($1.25 a plant) and how many to donate to local schools and community groups. Keep an eye on our Mid Ōreti Catchment Group Facebook page for more info on all of this.
Southern Field Days 2026 a great opportunity to catch up and reconnect
The 2026 Southern Field Days were a fantastic three days, with great weather, strong crowds and plenty of positive conversations. A huge thank you to everyone who dropped by our stand — it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and to meet plenty of new ones too.
We really enjoyed the opportunity to chat all things Catchment Groups, share stories from across the region, and discuss the great work happening in Southern communities. Events like Southern Field Days are a great reminder of the strength of our rural networks and the value of coming together. Thanks again for taking the time to connect with us — we’re already looking forward to next time.
Upcoming Events
Mid Oreti Mini Forest Movement – Summer Native Seed Collecting Workshop
Tuesday 3 March from 4pm to 6pm
AB Lime Main Office Carpark, 10 Bend Road, Winton
Pop in between 4 and 6 pm to collect tussock, flax and sedge seeds from AB Lime’s wetland. There will be people on hand to show you how to collect and sow seeds. We’d love it if you could bring gloves and containers to sow your seed in – ice cream tubs are great.
Everything to Gain – What Really Matters: Paddock to Markets
SAVE THE DATE
6 May, from 9.30am to 3pm
If there’s one farming event you need to attend next year, this is it! Thriving Southland presents 'Everything to Gain – What Really Matters: Paddock to Markets'. A free day of insights, real stories and straight talk about the opportunities ahead for Southern farmers.
Trade, markets and overseas expectations are shaping how NZ farming is viewed and valued.
This exclusive, free event is for farmers who want to better understand how global decisions translate onto our own farms. Hear directly from the Deputy Secretary, Trade and Economic at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and senior trade leaders about the opportunities ahead for Southern farmers.
This isn’t just a policy talk. It’s your chance to hear from the people who shape New Zealand’s agricultural future, and to ask the tough questions.
Lunch provided. Click here to learn more.
