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]

Is AI the future of farming — or just another tech fantasy? In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s actually possible with agri chatbots and how they could make your life easier on the land.

I’m joined by Mahgol Yousefi, a PhD researcher and product designer working with AgResearch and the University of Canterbury. She’s exploring how AI-powered tools could help farmers make faster, smarter decisions right from their phones — no tech degree needed.

Key Takeaways:

• How agri chatbots could simplify on-farm decisions using the data you already collect
• Why trust, usability, and real farmer input are key to making AI tools actually useful
• The real challenges and opportunities for AI adoption in New Zealand’s primary sector

Mahgol Yousefi brings both a farming background and human-centered design lens to her research, making her work especially relevant for Southland’s rural communities.

Curious but cautious about AI? Don’t miss this chat — it might change the way you think about what’s possible on your farm.

#SouthlandFarming #AgriTech #CatchmentGroups #ArtificialIntelligence #FarmSmarter

To contact Mahgol:

LinkedIn Page: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/mahgol-yousefi-497765145

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]

Feral pests are eating more than just crops—they're eating away at the hard work, livelihoods, and native ecosystems across Southland. In this episode, we get real about the damage caused by exploding deer and pig populations, and how one catchment group is pushing back with facts, community buy-in, and action.

I’m chatting with Mark Thomson and Alexis Wadworth from the Makarewa Headwaters catchment group about how they’re tackling thousands of wild ungulates, the shocking numbers behind the damage, and what it takes to get everyone—from hunters to government—on the same page. You’ll hear how they used data to gain funding, why ecological tipping points are a real threat, and what other farmers can do to take control before it’s too late.

Key Takeaways:

• Why starting with hard data gave their pest control project real traction and secured vital funding
• The economic and ecological costs of unmanaged pest numbers—and how to calculate it on your own farm
• Practical tips for engaging your community and managing feral animals without creating division

Guests Mark Thomson and Alexis Wadworth are farmers and catchment group leaders who are spearheading the Makarewa Headwaters Revival Project, focused on managing feral ungulates in a way that’s strategic, collaborative, and future-focused.

If pests are a problem on your patch, don’t wait. Tune in to hear what’s working and how you can apply it to your own place before the damage gets worse.

To find out more about the Makarewa Headwaters Revival Project

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/makarewa-headwaters-revival-project/

To find out more about the Makarewa Headwaters Catchment Group and contact them

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/makarewa-headwaters/

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 what happens on the land affects the ocean? The Aquavan is bringing that connection to life! In this episode, we chat with Dr. Sally Carson, director of the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre, and Sarah Thorne from Thriving Southland about this unique mobile marine science experience. The Aquavan travels through Southland, Otago, and Canterbury, giving students and communities hands-on interactions with marine life—right in their own backyards.

We dive into why hands-on learning is so powerful, the eye-opening moments farmers and kids have had with the Aquavan, and how these sessions are sparking real change in how people think about their waterways. Plus, if you're keen to bring the Aquavan to your area, we’ve got the details on how to make it happen!

Key Takeaways:

• How the Aquavan is bridging the gap between freshwater and marine ecosystems through hands-on education.
• Why catchment groups, farmers, and communities are rallying behind this initiative.
• The impact of interactive learning—real stories from students and farmers seeing their waterways differently.

Want to get involved or bring the Aquavan to your school or community? Reach out to your local catchment group or Thriving Southland.

To find out more about the Aquavan and their ‘Discovering Our Coastal Connections schools programme’

Website: https://www.otago.ac.nz/marine-studies/learn-with-us/aquavan

To find out more about the University of Otago New Zealand Marine Studies Centre in Portobello, Otago

Website: https://www.otago.ac.nz/marine-studies

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]

The Orauea River Catchment Group has been tackling a unique challenge—how their region’s natural mudstone landscape is impacting water quality. In this episode, I sit down with Jacqui Chamberlain, a local farmer, farm consultant, and leader of the group, to talk about their journey from identifying erosion risks to trialling solutions like poplar planting and sediment traps.

Key takeaways:

• How high-resolution environmental mapping helped pinpoint erosion hotspots.
• Why natural geology—not just land use—can be a key factor in water quality.
• Practical steps farmers are taking to reduce sediment and E. coli runoff.

Jacqui shares what’s worked, what’s next for the group, and how farmers can use this knowledge to make informed decisions on their own land.

Tune in to hear how grassroots efforts are making a real difference in Southland.

To read more about Orauea River Catchment Groups project:

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/understanding-the-geology/

To read more about Environment Southland’s Hill Country Erosion Booklet, featuring Orauea:

Website: https://www.es.govt.nz/environment/land-and-soil/land-management/hill-country-erosion

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]

New Zealand farmers are doing the hard yards—but how do we prove it to the world?

Our global customers love our dairy and meat, but they want more than just great quality—they want proof of sustainability. In this episode, we sit down with Neal Wallace, senior reporter at Farmers Weekly, to unpack the key insights from his six-week overseas tour, where he met with major players like McDonald’s, Nestlé, and Mars. We’ll talk about what these industry giants really want from New Zealand farmers, why traceability is a game-changer, and how catchment groups can play a crucial role in securing our place in premium global markets.

Key takeaways:

• Why major global food companies are demanding sustainability data from farmers.
• The growing role of traceability and how it could simplify compliance.
• How catchment groups are one of the most exciting tools for rural communities.

Joining us for this conversation is Richard Kyte, Thriving Southland Project Lead, adding his perspective on what this means for Southland farmers.

Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion—it’s a must-listen for anyone in food and farming. Hit play now!

To read more of Neal’s Farmers Weekly stories:

Website: https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/author/neal-wallace/

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]

Discover how the Mid Oreti Catchment Group is transforming farm planning with cutting-edge mapping tools and practical resources. In this episode, host Rachael Halder is joined by Ainsley Adams, chair of the Mid Oreti Catchment Group, alongside Tom Nation and James Blyth from Collaborations, to unpack the game-changing “Marshalling the Best” project. This innovative mapping tool combines science and local knowledge, helping farmers pinpoint the best spots for wetlands, detainment bunds, and sediment traps—all while building confidence to take action.

Whether you're a Southlander or beyond, you’ll hear how this user-friendly tool simplifies complex data, supports freshwater farm planning, and empowers landowners to make informed decisions for their land. Plus, learn about the newly launched Wetland Directory, a one-stop guide packed with resources, case studies, and actionable steps to kickstart your own mitigation journey.

Key takeaways:

• How the “Marshalling the Best” mapping tool combines LiDAR mapping, science, and local input to identify ideal mitigation sites.
• Practical ways the tool supports freshwater farm planning and helps navigate evolving regulations.
• Insights on building engagement within catchment groups and scaling community-driven solutions.

Guest speakers include Ainsley Adams, who shares on-the-ground perspectives, and Tom Nation and James Blyth from Collaborations, who break down the technical details and broader impacts of the project.

Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to understand your land that much better, make informed decisions and explore new mitigation options.

More information about the Mid Oreti Catchment Group ‘Marshalling the Best’ project and links to the mapping tool and wetland directory can be found here - https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/mid-oreti/

Connect with the Mid Oreti Catchment Group:

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

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Collaborations:

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

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]

How do you take a grassroots idea and turn it into a force for positive change across a region? In this episode, I sit down with Kate Scott, our retiring Deputy Chair and one of the original champions of Thriving Southland, as she reflects on the journey of Southland’s catchment groups and their impact on rural communities. From early volunteer efforts to a powerful network of groups leading sustainability projects, Kate shares insights on the evolution of Thriving Southland and what’s surprised her along the way.

Key Takeaways:

• How catchment groups have strengthened community ties and supported local farmers in facing environmental challenges.
• The importance of keeping catchment groups independent to foster trust and effective collaboration.
• Thriving Southland’s role as a bridge between farmers and regulatory bodies, providing essential knowledge and resources to drive lasting change.

Kate’s deep knowledge of the agribusiness sector and her experiences on our project panel give her a unique perspective on the work Thriving Southland is doing and the future possibilities for our catchment groups. Don’t miss her reflections and a look at what lies ahead for sustainable land management in Southland.

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]