Catchment Convos

What started with a dead tītī and a community saying “we’ve got to do something” has turned into an 18-year conservation project with an army of automatic traps, a native plant nursery and a much bigger vision for Southland. But how do you keep predators down, bring the forest back to life, and get an entire community behind the work?

In this episode, I’m joined by David Swann from the Bluff Hill Motupōhue Environment Trust to hear how a grassroots project in Bluff has grown, what they’ve learned along the way, and why technology, good data and strong relationships are changing what community conservation can look like.

Key Takeways

• Why good data and automatic traps could be a game changer for catchment and community groups trying to control predators over larger areas.
• How habitat restoration, native plant production and community relationships all work together to create lasting environmental outcomes.
• Why working alongside farmers, catchment groups and local communities is essential for connecting conservation efforts across the landscape.

David shares his experience of building practical conservation solutions in Bluff, including the trust’s native plant nursery, its network of more than 120 connected traps, and why protecting the Awarua Waituna Wetland is one of the team’s big ambitions.

If you’re wondering what’s possible when a community sticks with a conservation project for the long haul, press play and hear what’s happening on Bluff Hill Motupōhue. 

#catchmentgroups #thrivingsouthland #communityconservation #predatorcontrol

Connect with Bluff Hill Motupōhue Environment Trust

Website: https://www.motupohue.nz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BHMET

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BHMET

Email: [email protected]

Connect with us at Thriving Southland

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw  

Email: [email protected]

What if the right technology could save you hours, reduce the workload on your team, and help you make better decisions on farm? Host, Sarah Thorne, chats with farmers Nick Wadworth and Craig Steenson about the practical tech they’re using every day to make farming more efficient.

From drones, cow collars and automated drafting to farm apps, shared calendars, Starlink, AI and even building their own systems, Nick and Craig share what’s actually working on their farms. They also talk honestly about the challenges of getting staff on board, choosing technology that earns its keep, and why good farming knowledge still needs to come first.

Key Takeways

• See how technology can save time, reduce manual work and improve the accuracy of everyday farm decisions.
• Get practical ideas for introducing new technology and helping your team use it effectively.
• Learn how to decide whether a new tool is genuinely worth the investment, and where to start if you're ready to try something new.

Nick Wadworth and Craig Steenson share their hands-on experience using technology across sheep, beef and dairy farming in Southland.

If you’ve been wondering whether a new piece of tech could make life easier on your farm, have a listen and pick up an idea you can put into practice.

#TechOnFarm #AgriTech #SouthlandFarming #FarmTechnology #CatchmentConvos #catchmentgroups #southlandfarming #ThrivingSouthland

Connect with us at Thriving Southland

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw 

Email: [email protected]

Wet, boggy corners of the farm are often seen as a problem — but what if they could become one of your farm’s smartest investments? In this episode, we talk about why wetlands are becoming an important part of Southland’s farming future, from improving water quality to helping manage flood and drought risk.

Sarah Thorne is joined by DairyNZ Environment Manager Justin Kitto to break down what wetlands actually do, why protecting existing wetlands matters, and how farmers can start small without turning their whole farm into a wetland project. Justin shares practical lessons from projects across Southland, including the mistakes, surprises, and simple steps farmers can take right now.

Key Takeaways

• Why small wetlands spread across farms can have a big impact on water quality, biodiversity, and flood management
• How to identify low-performing or boggy areas on your farm that could become simple wetland projects
• Practical advice on starting small, avoiding common mistakes, and working with the landscape instead of against it

Justin Kitto is the Environment Manager at DairyNZ and has worked alongside Southland catchment groups and farmers on wetland restoration and constructed wetland projects across the region.

If you’ve been curious about wetlands but weren’t sure where to start, this episode will give you practical ideas, real examples, and the confidence to take the first step on your own farm.

#catchmentgroups #southlandfarming #ThrivingSouthland #Wetlands #DairyNZ #Waterquality

Connect with us at Thriving Southland

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw  

Email: [email protected]

Struggling to balance animal welfare, soil health, and practical wintering on your farm? This episode breaks down what’s actually working on the ground—and how small changes can make a big difference.

In this episode, I sit down with Southland farmers Simon Topham and Andrew Miller to talk through their wintering systems, the decisions behind them, and how they’re using data, planning, and experience to improve outcomes for their land, stock, and teams.

Key Takeways

• How to match stock, feed, and paddock conditions to reduce risk and improve performance
• Why forward planning—right from autumn—can make winter grazing more efficient and less stressful
• Practical tweaks from real farms that improve soil health, animal welfare, and team wellbeing

Simon Topham and Andrew Miller are experienced Southland farmers who are actively refining their wintering systems through on-farm trials, catchment group projects, and a strong focus on continuous improvement.

Press play now and start planning smarter wintering strategies for your farm this season.

#catchmentgroups #southlandfarming #ThrivingSouthland #wintergrazing #sustainablefarming #farmsystems

Connect with us at Thriving Southland

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw  

Email: [email protected]

Balancing farm, family, and community commitments can be challenging, especially when taking on leadership roles. This episode explores practical ways women can lead in rural Southland while staying grounded in their communities.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, host Sarah Thorne talks with Clare Officer and Rachael Millar about what leadership really looks like in rural Southland — from the paddock to the boardroom. We share honest stories about backing yourself, building support networks, navigating change, and stepping up in ways that work for you.

Key Takeaways

• Why having a strong support network is essential — and how to build one around you
• How to push through imposter syndrome and get comfortable being uncomfortable
• Practical advice for women in agriculture and environmental science who want to grow, lead, and give back

Clare Officer is a dairy and beef farmer in Central Southland, Thriving Southland Board Member and a dedicated community leader, while Rachael Millar is Chief Advisor at Environment Southland and a long-time advocate for collaborative catchment work.

If you’ve ever thought about putting your hand up but hesitated, this is your nudge — rural communities thrive when people step forward, so press play and be inspired to take your next step.

#catchmentgroups #southlandfarming #ThrivingSouthland #womeninagriculture #ruralleadership

Connect with us at Thriving Southland

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw 

Email: [email protected]

Animal pests can undo years of hard work if they’re not tackled properly — and once you think you’ve done enough, you’re probably only halfway there.

In this episode, host Sarah Thorne kicks off the animal pest control conversation with Dipton sheep farmer Peter McDonald, who shares what it really took to protect 56 hectares of native bush on his Southland farm. From deer fencing and helicopter control to funding, neighbour coordination, and long-term thinking, this is a practical, honest look at what works when it comes to looking after land and water.

Key Takeways

•  Why understanding what you already have on your land is the first step before spending time or money
• What coordinated pest control with neighbours actually looks like in practice — and why it matters
• Why long-term commitment, not quick wins, makes the biggest difference for land, waterways, and future generations

If animal pests are creeping into your catchment or farm, this episode will help you think differently — press play and hear what’s possible when you go further than you thought you needed to.

#Southlandfarming #catchmentgroups #ThrivingSouthland,#communityprojects #SouthlandNZ #animalpestcontrol #landandwater #biodiversity

Connect with us at Thriving Southland

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw  

Email: [email protected]

When you hear people talk about Thriving Southland, do you ever wonder how it all actually works behind the scenes? In this episode, I’m breaking it down with Richard Kyte and Tessa Miller so you can understand the real engine room supporting Southland’s catchment groups.

We’re talking about what Thriving Southland does, why our ground-up model works, and how everyday farmers and locals are creating practical change that actually sticks. You’ll hear what’s happening across Southland, what’s working, and what’s shaping the next five years.

Key Takeaways

• How ground-up decision-making has helped 37 catchment groups deliver more than 150 projects.
• Why science, community trust, and simple processes are at the heart of real progress on the land.
• The challenges and wins farmers are navigating — and what’s giving them confidence for the future.

I’m joined by Richard Kyte, our Project Lead, and Tessa Miller, one of our Catchment Coordinators, who both bring years of experience supporting Southland communities.

If you want a clearer picture of how catchment groups actually get things done — and what this means for your own patch — this is the episode to press play on.

#Southlandfarming #catchmentgroups #ThrivingSouthland,#communityprojects #ruralsustainability #SouthlandNZ

Connect with us at Thriving Southland

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw  

Email: [email protected]

Generational change doesn’t happen overnight — but in Waikawa, farmers and locals have been steadily putting in the hard yards for over a decade to restore their river and land.

In this episode, Rachael sits down with Waikawa Catchment Group representatives Alison Thomas and Craig Short to hear how the group has grown from small beginnings in 2009 into a powerhouse of community-driven projects. From tackling erosion with science-led mapping, to installing sediment traps, fencing off gullies, and planting nearly 9,000 native plants, this catchment is showing what’s possible when people work together.

Key Takeaways

• How seven farmer-led projects are helping to slow the flow, reduce sediment, and improve water quality.
• The role of science, funding, and local knowledge in creating long-term environmental change.
• Why community planting days, volunteer support, and shared vision make all the difference in catchment success.

Guests Alison Thomas and Craig Short share their personal journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and why they believe every farmer in the catchment can play a part.

Don’t miss this inspiring look at grassroots action in Waikawa — hit play now and take away ideas that could spark change in your own patch of paradise.

#SouthlandNZ #catchmentgroups #communityprojects #riverrestoration #sedimentcontrol #nativeplants

Connect with Waikawa Catchment Group and view the ICMP and Slow the Flow / Erosion Mitigation Project

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/waikawa/

Connect with us at Thriving Southland

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw

Email: [email protected]

Small ideas can spark powerful change. What started as a simple “what if” conversation has turned into a community-led project that’s growing thousands of native plants and reshaping the Mid Oreti Catchment.

In this episode, I sit down with Ainsley Adams and Rosie Hunter to talk about the Mid Oreti Mini Forest Movement, how it began, and the impact it’s having across schools, farms, and communities. From monthly drop-in sessions to affordable plant packs, we cover the practical steps that have made this project both achievable and sustainable.

Key Takeaways

• How the Mid Oreti Mini Forest Movement grew from an idea into a self-sustaining community nursery
• Practical tips for anyone wanting to grow their own native plants at home or start a local nursery project
• The role of schools, landowners, and community groups in making biodiversity projects thrive

Guests Ainsley Adams and Rosie Hunter share their experiences leading this grassroots initiative, including the wins, challenges, and why momentum is everything.

Don’t miss this episode if you’re curious about starting something similar in your own community — the advice here could be the kickstart you need.

#SouthlandNZ #catchmentgroups #communityprojects #nativeplants

Connect with Mid Oreti Catchment Group

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/mid-oreti/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100062936575760

Email: [email protected]

Connect with us at Thriving Southland

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw

Email: [email protected]

Ever wondered how your farm could earn more while sharing the Southland story? This episode unpacks how agritourism is already transforming farms into thriving, experience-rich destinations—and why now’s the time to get involved.

Rachael chats with Marijke Dunselman, founder of Agritourism New Zealand, about what agritourism really looks like on the ground, how Southland farmers are already making it work, and what support is available to help you get started. From farm tours to high-end stays and veggie garden workshops, Marijke shares the tools, trends and untapped potential waiting right here in our region.

Key Takeaways:

·        How Southland farmers are adding new income streams with agritourism

·        What kinds of experiences tourists are actively looking for—and willing to pay for

·        Why collaboration across catchment groups could unlock new tourism opportunities

Guest Marijke Dunselman brings decades of tourism expertise and a deep understanding of Southland’s rural landscape through her work with Agritourism New Zealand.

Thinking about agritourism but not sure where to start? Hit play—you might just find your next on-farm opportunity.

#agritourism #SouthlandNZ #catchmentgroups #ruralbusiness #farmdiversification

Connect with Marijke at Agritourism New Zealand

Website: https://www.agritourism.nz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agritourismnz/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agritourismnz/

Email: [email protected]

Connect with us at Thriving Southland

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw

Email: [email protected]