To say that it's been a hard winter and spring would be an understatement. It’s been the wettest winter in 45 years and feedback from farmers is that it’s been extremely challenging.
It’s been great to see the Southland Rural Support Trust’s ‘Brunch on Us’ events so well supported across the region during September – so good to see people making time to get off-farm.
Remember to check on your friends, neighbours and team and don't be afraid to reach out as you’re not on your own, and sometimes just another set of eyes and ears can help. You can contact the Rural Support Trust on 0800787254.
A recent wide-ranging research project, run by the Bioeconomy Science Institute looked at what actually helps Catchment Groups thrive. Two Southland Catchment Groups, the Waikawa and the Edendale Aquifer Groups got a lot out of being involved – and the themes coming through support the great work happening throughout the region.
From the study, it is interesting to note that there is a perception that work already happening on Southland farms, including fencing, wetlands, water testing, isn't always seen by the wider public or by the agencies funding and regulating it. This means that it’s crucial we keep celebrating and sharing all the great work done by Southland's Catchment Groups. Read more on this in the newsletter.
Brunch on Us at Hedgehope.
News
Edendale Aquifer and Waikawa help shape Catchment Groups research
Between February and May, researchers from the Bioeconomy Science Institute (AgResearch have become a part of this) sat down with 40 people from across Southland, including Catchment Group members, councils, industry bodies and agencies who support them, to find out what actually helps Catchment Groups thrive.
Edendale Aquifer and Waikawa Catchment Group members were among those interviewed individually in May. The Edendale Aquifer Group is just two years old, while Waikawa has been going since 2009, one of the longest running Catchment Groups in the region. Both have recently wrapped up major projects, so together they had a lot of hard-won experience to draw on, from what it takes to get a Group started through to what keeps one going long term.
The interviews fed into a workshop in July, where members from both Groups came back together with researchers and support organisations to test the findings and fill in any gaps. A clear picture emerged of what helps Catchment Groups make the biggest difference: strong local ownership, practical hands-on support rather than just plans and reports, funding that doesn't strain volunteer time or neighbourly relationships, science shaped with groups rather than being handed down to them, and agency relationships that stick around long enough to build trust.
One theme stood out in particular: recognition. Group members were clear that the work already happening on Southland farms, fencing, wetlands, water testing, isn't always seen by the wider public or by the agencies funding and regulating it, and that matters for morale just as much as it does for policy.
The findings can now help support conversations with councils, government agencies, funders and industry bodies about how their support could work even better for Groups on the ground. Thank you to everyone from Edendale Aquifer and Waikawa who gave up their time for this. Their input has helped shape a piece of work that could influence how Catchment Groups are supported nationwide.
Earth Sciences NZ weatherman Chris Brandolino coming south for field days
Hugely popular weatherman Chris Brandolino from Earth Sciences NZ is coming to Southland to chat all things El Niño at two field days in October. Chris will give an informative and no doubt entertaining overview of what El Niño means for Southland covering ESNZ tools for farmers/contractors to use and tips and tricks for reading the weather.
For more details and to RSVP click here.
Could you help shape the future of Thriving Southland?
Thriving Southland is looking for two new Board members to help guide the organisation as we continue to support Catchment Groups and grassroots action across Southland.
We’re looking for dynamic, passionate people who care about Southland and understand the value of a grassroots approach. We’re particularly interested in people who can bring strong governance skills, relevant sector knowledge and a willingness to contribute to the future direction of Thriving Southland. The Board meets at least six times a year.
Applications close 11 October, with the election taking place at the AGM on 11 November.
To apply, send a short profile outlining why you would like to join the Board, along with your governance skills, relevant sector knowledge and qualifications, to office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz.
You’re welcome to contact Richard Kyte, Project Lead, or Jeff Grant, Board Chair, for a confidential discussion prior to applying.
Find out more about the role at www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/current-vacancies-board/
Please note: Current Associate Board member Rosie Hunter is completing her term and has indicated her intention to stand for election as a Director at the AGM.
Murihiku Predator Free Hui
When: 31 October, from 9am to 4.30pm
Where: Transport World, Invercargill
This event is free and fully catered, and hosted by the Predator Free New Zealand Trust and supported by Environment Southland and Zero Invasive Predators.
Are you looking for fresh ideas, practical advice or a bit of inspiration for your predator control efforts? You’ll hear talks from experts, including on fine-tuning your predator control, how to bring the whole community along, conservation from a local indigenous view, new technology and developments and much more. Tickets are limited; be sure to register here.
Interested in predator control for your CatchmentGroup?
If your catchment group is keen to learn more about predator control and how it can be integrated into farm and community projects, let us know. Predator Free New Zealand may have opportunities available to partner with your group to deliver a local talk either side of the Hui, share practical advice, and explore ways to support predator management initiatives in your area.
Catchment Convos Ep 21 is live: Bluff Hill Motupōhue Environment Trust (BHMET)
In the latest podcast episode, David Swann from BHMET shares how they are restoring biodiversity through predator control, native planting, technology and strong community partnerships. Listen now and hear the lessons, challenges and future vision behind 18 years of conservation work on Motupōhue.
Recent Events
Celebrating the new Hedgehope Makarewa Catchment Group sign
Brilliant afternoon with Tui Classroom at Hedgehope School showing them the new Hedgehope Makarewa Catchment Group sign that they helped design and create. Sally, Nigel and George (from the Catchment Group ) headed back to school and thanked the students for their amazing colourful and creative Canva design work featuring rivers, mountains, fields, trees, animals and the date they were established. It was a really proud moment to show them one of the actual signs they had just collected from Creation Signs in Invercargill, and thank the class and their amazing Principal Daniel Withington for their wonderful work. Everyone got to have some thank you chocolate bars, and once the weather settles down, four signs will go up at various sites around the catchment.
Rylan Hall with his winning design with George, Nigel and Sally
from Hedgehope Makarewa Catchment Group.
The winning design was Rylan Hall’s, and the group loved it for its colourful blue and green eye-catching design, with the river winding through the bush and fields, and its great shape, clear writing, and especially having the date they were established.
A big thank you to all the students for their beautiful designs, their fantastic Principal Daniel Withington for his wonderful support, and local Catchment Group members Sally, Nigel, Tony and Tracy for donating money to help four signs be printed and put up around the catchment.
Busy winter at the Mid Oreti nursery!
Fantastic crew at the September Mid Oreti nursery drop-in session. About 250 native plants headed off to new homes on a local farm and to the Castledowns Wetland Restoration Project. More than 100 cabbage tree seedlings were donated by Allan Leddington, and the crew of Central Southland College students and keen locals potted these up along with lots of pittosporums too. Two columns of plants were also weeded, and we finished early. Fab session – thanks so much team!
Edendale Aquifer Group shares the learning
The Edendale Aquifer Group (EAG) enjoyed a visit with the Menzies Science Investigation Class in September.
The Menzies class has been undertaking water quality monitoring in the Mimihau and Wyndham Oxbow waterways, as well as looking at how riparian planting can impact wider water quality.
EAG showed the students one of the Group’s pilot wetlands, where they took a sample from the spring feeding the wetland and another from the outlet pipe. It was a good opportunity to talk through how a wetland works, as well as some of the practical considerations involved in developing and managing one on farm. The Group also shared some of its recent learnings around how nitrogen moves through the catchment and the different farm system options farmers can try.
September also saw EAG hold its now three-monthly water quality testing, with the Group enjoying catching up with the regular farmers involved. They also met with Environment Southland as part of the 2026 Environment Awards, where EAG is a finalist this year.
Thriving Southland supports Beach Valley Dairies Visit with education kit
On Friday 18 September, the Bennett family opened up Beach Valley Dairies in Tuatapere to host local kids for their big biannual farm day. Taking on a huge group of students right in the middle of busy calving season is no small feat, but they pulled it with visits from Hauroko Valley Primary and Waiau Area School.
The Ag community really showed up to support the kids, too. Fonterra (complete with a milk tanker to check out), DairyNZ, MPI, Farmlands, LIC, Ecolab, Otautau Vets, Southland Honda, and Ballance were all involved to give the students a proper hands-on look at farm life.
One of the coolest highlights was the Thriving Southland’s stream health education kit. The kids got right down into the water biology, learning about macroinvertebrates (aka stream bugs!) and why they're so crucial for waterways. The students were super curious, asking awesome questions about all the creepy-crawlies they found and what jobs they do in the ecosystem. Was an amazing day out, and even the sun made an appearance for us!
Upcoming Events
Mini Forest Movement Native Plant Nursery drop-in session
When: First Tuesday of every month, from 4pm to 6pm
All welcome to come to our monthly native plant growing working-bee evenings at the AB Lime Nursery. Your help will go toward growing plants for the Mid Ōreti Mini Forest Movement Project, which provides native plants to the local community and landowners for their planting projects. Training is provided and all ages welcome! Stay for as little or as long as you like.
Free Field Demonstration – Laser Weed Control in Action
When: Thursday 15 October 2026
Bus departs Invercargill 10.30am, returning by 2pm (pickup at Woodlands)
Bus departs Gore 10.10am, returning by 2.30pm (pickup at Edendale)
Lunch provided.
See the Carbon Robotics G2-200 Laser Weeder operating at So Sweet Vegetables and discover how laser technology is helping growers reduce chemical use, improve efficiency, and protect soil health.
Limited spaces available. Access to So Sweet by organised bus transport only. Book now by email: office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz or phone 021 466 700. Registrations close on 7 October.
Discover Wetland Magic: Join the Between the Domes Bus Tour!
When: 30 October, from 10.30am to 4pm
Bus Schedule:
Invercargill, Tay St BusSmart Hub, departs 10.30am
Winton public toilet, departs 11.10am
Dipton public toilet, departs 11.40am
Arrive Lumsden park for lunch, 12pm
Leaving Lumsden at 1pm to visit two farm properties, before returning to Invercargill approx. 4pm
Email office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz or call 021 466 700 to reserve your seat. Come along, get inspired, and take the first step toward bringing your own wetland vision to life.
Save the date – Thriving Southland AGM
When: 11 November, from 3pm to 5.30pm
Where: Kelvin Hotel – 6th Floor Conference Room
Join us for afternoon tea and a catch up with other Southland farmers and friends, before finding out about what Thriving Southland have done in 2025/2026 and plans for 2026/2027. Also hear about some of the amazing projects Catchment Groups are working on in Southland and how Aroha Kaikorai Valley Trust are tackling urban engagement.
RSVP by emailing office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz or phone 021 466 700.
Have a great October,
Ngā mihi, Richard Kyte
(Thriving Southland Project Lead)
and the Thriving Southland Team
