Get Your Feet Wet Bullock Creek
Location: Bullock Creek (look for the WAI flags near Speights Ale House)
It’s world Habitat Day! Head out to Bullock Creek with us for a stream health assessment. Together we will learn about suitable habitats for aquatic life, measure, and record a selection of indicators that reflect how healthy the water is.
It’s all about having fun, hands on learning, and making a positive impact on local waterways. All welcome – no experience necessary!
What to bring:
Weather appropriate clothes
Rubber boots (if you have them)
Sturdy footwear
Friends and whānau
All welcome. Tamariki / children must be accompanied by an adult.
University of Otago Freshwater Forum
This will be an opportunity for researchers who work on freshwaters across the University to briefly introduce their research to others within the University and beyond. The style is informal and intended to provide an opportunity for University staff and students, and external stakeholders, to meet one another and discuss mutual interests.
Where: Tūhura Otago Museum
Free (catering is provided, so please ensure that you register below for catering purposes)
REGISTER HERE BEFORE 8TH AUGUST: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=xe8lAv54KEmxV57ySAnputRICJJJqIhPvpZfqT1iaLZUM0QwN0g1VTlVV0lOVDQyODQ2Q1FITjFEVC4u
Managing Rural Waste - Lunch & Learn Webinar
Are you interested in improving your on-farm solid waste management? Join us for a free session to hear practical farmer-to-farmer solutions from rural leader and dairy farmer Trish Rankin.
Agritech in the Manuherekia
Waiora Manuherekia are THRILLED to announce Agritech in the Manuherekia is coming!
Join them on Friday 10 October, 1pm at Matakanui Station to see the latest farming technology in action.
Drones. Automated Tractors. Electric side-by-sides and utes. Renewable energy solutions. Plus more exhibitors to talk to
Come along and discover how agritech can save time, boost efficiency, and help shape the future of farming in Central Otago.
Matakanui Station, 1524 Moutere-Disputed Spur Road, Omakau
Free entry – all welcome!
Waikouaiti Catchment Information Session
Waikouaiti Community Catchment Event
Come along and hear from experts about water quality, biodiversity, estuary health, and exciting projects happening in the Waikouaiti Catchment.
This event is held in collaboration with the Mt Watkins / Hikaroroa Conservation Group .
It’s a fantastic opportunity to catch up with neighbours and landowners, share ideas, and connect with others in the community.
The evening will finish with a BBQ and a beer – we’d love to see you there!
Eastern Rugby Club, Waikouaiti
Thomsons Planting Day
Join the Thomsons Catchment Project to plant 200 carex to help keep Orkney wetland thriving!
Bring along your gumboots, gloves, a spade, and a water bottle – and lend a hand.
Many hands make light work – together we can make a big difference for our environment.
INTRODUCTION TO SHMAK: STREAM HEALTH MONITORING WORKSHOP
Come along to a hands-on workshop and learn how to check the health of your local stream using NIWA’s Stream Health Monitoring and Assessment Kit (SHMAK). Together we’ll look at water health indicators such as water clarity, temperature, conductivity, macroinvertebrate and fish populations.
Hosted by OCC, WAI Wānaka, ORC, Otago Fish and Game, and Lowburn Catchment Group.
Lowburn Community Hall - 58 Lowburn Valley Road.
Limited spaces - RSVP to Nicole Sutton 0221283591 or nicole@otagocatchments.co.nz
Aotearoa 2055 - Navigating complexity for making good land use decisions
Presented by: Dr Melissa Robson-Williams and Dr Linda Lilburne Bioeconomy Science Institute
In Aotearoa New Zealand and globally we need methods to help us comprehend how multiple environmental and social problems interact.
For example, there are interactions between the various critical issues of biodiversity, environmental quality, energy security, food security, climate change, resource depletion.
Systems thinking is one way to grapple with complexity. Our study is refining and testing an innovative systems-informed approach to thinking about the future demands and constraints on the land.
The objective of our research is to help participants consider multiple complex problems and the subsequent implications over time for resilience, maladaptation, environmental, and societal outcomes. We have held four experimental workshops aimed at small groups of researchers and decision-makers, using a causal loop diagram to guide participants through a discussion and experiential activity.
This webinar will report the learnings of these workshops.
We look forward to having you attend the event!
Register to attend this webinar
Microsoft Virtual Event Powered by Teams
Foundations of Good Governance
New to a board or committee role, or looking to strengthen your governance skills?
huddl is excited to host a special workshop with Dr Jo Cribb – experienced board director, consultant, strategist and author.
The Foundations of Good Governance is a practical, applied session covering:
*What governance is (and how it differs from management & operations)
*Your duties as a board member
*The four key functions of community boards
*What great not-for-profit community boards do (and don't do)
Details:
Salvation Army Queenstown, 8 Pin Oak Avenue, Frankton, Queenstown
$35 per person (GST inclusive) - Are you in an Otago catchment group? OCC could cover this fee if so
Places are limited and expected to fill fast – registration is essential.
Launch of AGRITOURISM.NZ Otago/Southland Network
Are you a Southland or Otago agritourism operator?
Are you interested in learning more about agritourism?
Then come along to the launch of the (pilot) Agritourism NZ Southland/Otago Network to learn what it's all about.
Monday 20 October, from 10am-1pm
Welcome Rock Trails, Garston, Southland
Cost: $29 (includes lunch)
Save the date and register your interest here: agritourism.nz/regional-agritourism-networks.html
(Solar) Powering Southland
Check out this event from Great South aimed at helping and empowering farmers and rural communities to better understand and access solar energy solutions.
It’s FREE to attend, RSVP here https://forms.office.com/r/MTtj9LLELK
Alpine Lakes Forum 2025
Save the date for something exciting, coming to you this November.
Introducing.... Alpine Lakes Forum 2025. A two-day science event for the community.
Bringing together freshwater scientists, policy-makers, environmental practioners and community leaders to explore the health, management and future of Aotearoa's deep alpine lakes and freshwater ecosystems.
Wānaka
Register now for event updates.
Head to https://waiwanaka.my.canva.site/alpine-lakes-forum-2025
Proudly bought to you by Otago Regional Council, Otago University and WAI Wānaka.
Lowburn Inlet Planting
Planting day with Lowburn Catchment Group
Meet at Lowburn Hall 10am Saturday October 4th
We will be planting out the area we have been clearing next to the Lowburn Stream where it flows into the inlet.
Here’s the chance to join in on the good fun stuff, making this area an attractive place for our community, friends and visitors, as well as making beneficial habitat for our aquatic species, insects and birds.
Bring: gloves, spade or trowel (or we will supply some), water bottle.
Wear: gumboots or strong boots, sunhat, sunscreen etc.
MORE INFO:
Email: lowburncatchment@gmail.com or text: 021450846
Valley Fest North East Valley
VALLEY FEST 2025 EVENT!
Join Open Valley Urban Ecosanctuary for a hands-on volunteer morning with Open VUE and The Valley Project!
What’s happening?
We’re rallying residents, visitors, and volunteers to help nurture our valley’s native biodiversity by cleaning up their habitat. Come along—no need to register, just bring enthusiasm!
Why join?
Your couple hours can make a real difference in helping restore our urban ecosanctuary and support native wildlife. All tools and will be provided—no experience necessary. Please wear closed-toe shoes and appropriate weather gear.
Free and inclusive—just turn up and do your thing! Light refreshments will be provided.
Community Open Days at The Hills
Check out https://southernlakessanctuary.org.nz/community-open-day.../
Southern Lakes Sanctuary and The Hills invite you to be part of a one-of-a-kind community event that blends world-class golf, contemporary sculpture and conservation in action.
This is more than a day on the green – it’s a rare opportunity to play or visit one of New Zealand’s most iconic courses – while backing the biodiversity of the Southern Lakes.
Every donation raised will help fund vital community-led conservation across the landscapes that make this part of Aotearoa so extraordinary.
At: The Hill Golf Club
Brunch on Us - West Otago
Join the Rural Support Trust for a free Brunch!
A Get-together for the whole Team!
Just drop in, no speeches, no presentations - just a warm welcome, some delicious food & a few good yarns!
Tapanui Golf Club
Brunch on Us - North Otago
Join the Rural Support Trust for a free Brunch!
A Get-together for the whole Team!
Just drop in, no speeches, no presentations - just a warm welcome, some delicious food & a few good yarns!
Papakaio Community Hall
Branch on Us - Clutha Valley
Join the Rural Support Trust for a free Brunch!
A Get-together for the whole Team!
Just drop in, no speeches, no presentations - just a warm welcome, some delicious food & a few good yarns!
Clutha Valley Rugby Club
Huddl Cromwell Workshop - How to be an effective chair
Keen to grow your confidence and effectiveness as a chair?
Join huddl for How to be an Effective Chair - a practical and engaging workshop designed to equip aspiring, new, and experienced chairs with the skills and insights needed to lead effectively in today’s non-profit governance environment.
Facilitated by governance expert Giselle McLachlan, Founder of Grounded Governance, this session offers valuable tools and actionable takeaways to help you feel more confident and capable in your chair role.
St John Cromwell, 94 Barry Avenue
Register now: http://huddl.nz/.../upskilli.../how-to-be-an-effective-chair
Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research WEBINAR: The impact of mammalian browsers on carbon storage
Understanding the condition and change of Aotearoa New Zealand’s native forests is critical for biodiversity, resilience to disturbance, and carbon cycling. These forests capture and store atmospheric carbon, yet some forest types may be losing carbon due to browsing animals such as deer, goats, and possums. Browsers have complex effects: selectively harming certain tree species, altering forest composition, diversity of vegetation.
In this talk, we summarise current knowledge and some recent research about browser effects on forest ecosystem carbon including:
• Results from a national study of animal exclosures/fences
• Findings on carbon stocks in remeasured forest plots
• Science principles for understanding changes in carbon.
REGSITER » https://buff.ly/khuwMum
North Lake Hayes work day with Friends of Lake Hayes
Friends of Lakes Hayes are asking our local community to help them with weeding the new native wetland plantings at the north end of Lake Hayes (between Mill Creek and the end of Rutherford Rd). Morning tea provided by OCC.
Meeting at the carpark at the end of Rutherford Road at 9.00am. Please bring your own gloves and hand tools for weeding. There will be some available if you can’t.
If you would like to come, can you please RSVP to bowmanz@actrix.co.nz
Branch on Us - Taieri
Join the Rural Support Trust for a free Brunch!
A Get-together for the whole Team!
Just drop in, no speeches, no presentations - just a warm welcome, some delicious food & a few good yarns!
Henley Community Centre
What you need to know - Incorporated Society Act changes
Community Governance Aotearoa are hosting a free webinar on the changes to the Incorporated Societies Act and what they mean for your board.
CGA Chief Executive Rose Hiha-Agnew leads the kōrero with panel Jo Kelly (Chief Executive, Independent Governance Services), Rachel Woodhouse (Senior Partner Not-for-Profit, BNZ), Julie Hood (Lead Governance and Planning Consultant, Sport NZ).
Board Talks: What You Need to Know - Incorporated Societies Act Changes
Via Zoom (free). Register: https://communitygovernance.org.nz/talks-events/board-talks-what-you-need-to-know-incorporated-societies-act-changes
Brunch on Us - Middlemarch
Join the Rural Support Trust for a free Brunch!
A Get-together for the whole Team!
Just drop in, no speeches, no presentations - just a warm welcome, some delicious food & a few good yarns!
Middlemarch Golf Club
Free Advice on Reregistering your Incorporated Society
Community Networks Aotearoa (CNA) are hosting a 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 webinar as part of their 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘱 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘦𝘴 series.
Join Ros Rice from CNA in kōrero with our own Louisa (Lou) Joblin, MInstD and Steven Moe from Parry Field Lawyers as they break down the process.
Online via Zoom
Register to attend here: https://events.humanitix.com/sharp-strategies-free-advice...
Thriving Cities Webinar Series - Urban predator control
Webinar: Predator Control in Urban Environments
Join us for a 30-minute session exploring how predator management shapes urban biodiversity. Urban ecologists Assoc. Prof. Stephen Hartley and PhD student Tamara Encina Becker will present findings from a long-term study tracking biodiversity responses across urban ecosystems. Learn about evidence-based approaches that work — and why they matter.
Microsoft Teams | Free to attend.
Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/.../38f72039-148e-44d0...
Or learn more at www.peoplecitiesnature.co.nz/webinar
Ranfurly Community Funding Session
If you have some community mahi you're doing and have questions around what funding is available and how to apply, we'd love to see you there!
Thursday 4pm, 21st August
Ranfurly Service Centre, 15 Pery Street, Ranfurly
MPI On Farm Support and NZIPIM present - Growing Value (Mosgiel)
Please register here NZIPIM
Invermay,176 Puddle Alley, Mosgiel
Growing Value: Innovation, Sustainability & the Future of Food
Join us for an insightful session featuring Jarred Mair, MPI’s Chief Insight Officer, who will share findings from two major reports on the future of New Zealand’s food sector, exploring evolving consumer demand, AI, and emerging technologies. Blake Holgate from Rabobank will discuss how sustainability credentials are increasingly influencing agri-finance decisions and what this means for farmers. Vanessa Winning from MPI will provide an update on the sector’s current performance and New Zealand’s ambitious goal to double export value. This session offers a comprehensive look at innovation, finance, and export growth shaping our primary industries.
MPI On Farm Support and NZIPIM present - Growing Value (Alexandra)
Please register here NZIPIM
Alexandra Bridge Club 52 Boundary Road, Alexandra
Growing Value - Innovation and the Future of Food & Solar in Central Otago
Join us for an engaging afternoon exploring the future of food and energy in our sector. Jarred Mair, Chief Insight Officer at MPI, will share insights from two key reports on how global consumer demand, AI, and emerging technologies are transforming food production—from ethical sourcing to personalised nutrition and “weightless” exports. We’ll also hear from Matt Taylor of OPR Solar, who will present real-world case studies from Central Otago and offer practical guidance on solar system performance, finance, and installation. This session is a valuable opportunity to gain fresh insights and practical tools for your clients and business.
Funding Clinics
Need some funding and some help with where to go?
Alexandra - Alexandra Community House 11am
Cromwell - Central Lakes Trust Boardroom
For more general info about applying for Council grants go to: https://www.codc.govt.nz/services/funding-grants
Making sense of the rules - Cultivation, Winter Grazing and Wetlands
Thriving Southland webinar to clarify the current regulations, and make sense of what this means on-farm.
Join Landpro Ltd for a webinar, Wednesday 30th July | 7 - 9pm
• Where the rules come from (RMA, NES, and regional plans)
• What they actually mean on-farm
• Cultivation, winter grazing, wetlands, sediment traps
Free, online, session – email office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz to register
Farm waste recycling pop up
Would you like to know more about the recycling options for on farm items such as drench containers/drums and balage wrap?
Do you have any of the following items on-farm and want to recycle them?
• Feed & fertiliser bags (under 40kg)
• Batteries (large and small)
• Tyres (maximum of 5)
• Drench containers/drums (charge of $2+ per drum unless you are a financial member of Otago South River Care)
• Sharps
• Pallet wrap
• Vaccine packs
If you answered yes, we invite you to register for our Farm Recycling Pop-up – a local initiative to help you dispose of farm waste responsibly and learn what the options are for recycling in South Otago.
📍 Location: Cross Rec Centre, 18 Glasgow Street, Balclutha
This is a great opportunity to clear out old items safely and sustainably while contributing to better environmental outcomes in our rural communities.
🔗 Register now via the QR code below or simply email Bex Begg at rebecca@wekadowns.co.nz so we have an idea of what we might collect on the day
Many thanks to our supporters Clutha District Council, New Zealand Landcare Trust and CMC Recycling for their help.
CATCHMENT COMMUNITIES AOTEAROA (CCA) AGM
Please Register here for this online webinar event.
The Tiaki Maniototo Winter
Location: Start the show at the ICL Building in Ranfurly @ 10.00am
End: at the Tiaki Nursery in Patearoa around 2.00pm
Contact: Caitlin caitlin@tiakimaniototo.co.nz
Animal effluent information sessions
Online sessions and dates:
Sessions for farmers, farm managers and consent holders 22 or 30 July, 10am-2pm
Sessions for rural professionals and consultants 24 or 31 July 10am-2pm
Learn more at orc.govt.nz/effluent
Need more information? Contact catchments@orc.govt.nz
