In a bold initiative to improve environmental and economic outcomes for local farms, farmer-led catchment collective Tukituki Land Care will visit each of the 17 sub-catchments of the Tukituki River during the first week of December. The group is inviting farmers and growers to share their invaluable local knowledge and insights to shape future-focused, practical plans for their regions.

The goal? Developing independent, science-backed catchment plans tailored to address the unique environmental challenges of each sub-catchment while identifying cost-effective, actionable solutions.

Chairman Richard Hilson underscores the collaborative nature of the effort:

“We want to find something that farmers can do that makes a difference, that’s affordable and is worthwhile doing. The more farmers who get involved, the greater the impact we’ll achieve.”

A Plan for Every Sub-Catchment

Tukituki Land Care aims to create one-page work plans for each sub-catchment, which will:

• Serve as roadmaps for improving water quality, farm productivity, and resilience.
• Highlight opportunities for funding and long-term planning.
• Avoid imposing regulations, focusing instead on providing tools and solutions.

To support these efforts, the collective will introduce a ‘farmer toolbox’ to assist landowners in making informed decisions.

“We want to find on-farm solutions that will improve both the environment and the economic condition of farms,” explains Colin Tyler, the board member overseeing the project.

Merging Science with Local Knowledge

The group is partnering with Environment, Innovation and Strategy Ltd, led by Matt Highway, to incorporate data such as erosion maps, flow path models, and water monitoring information. However, it is the input from farmers and growers that will ensure the plans are practical and effective.

December Workshops

Tukituki Land Care will host two-hour workshops in each sub-catchment during the first week of December. Farmers and growers will have the chance to review scientific findings and help refine proposed solutions tailored to their land.

Dates, times, and registration details are available at www.tukitukilandcare.org/the-big-picture.

Hilson encourages participation while acknowledging the demands on farmers’ time:

“Expect good food, a beer, and some valuable conversations. If you can’t attend, let us do the groundwork, and we’ll share our findings with you next year.”

This grassroots collaboration offers a promising step toward sustainable farming practices that benefit both the environment and the local farming community.