Being a treasurer is an important role in any community organisation.
This practical workshop is designed to support new and existing treasurers with the essential knowledge needed to manage finances confidently and responsibly.

In this session we’ll cover:
• The role and responsibilities of a treasurer
• Key legislation and compliance requirements
• Financial reporting responsibilities
• Tax returns and key filing obligations
• How to prevent and identify fraudulent behaviour

 Upcoming Workshops

Queenstown – Wed 1 April | 5.30–7.30pm
Cromwell - Wednesday 29 April | 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Wānaka - Tuesday 5 May | 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Alexandra - Thursday 14 May | 5.30pm – 7.30pm

To register head to https://huddl.nz/.../upskilling-and.../treasurer-101 

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is hosting a free in-person workshop in Cromwell to help with all things related to intensive winter grazing (IWG).

Monday, 9 March, 11am
Cromwell & Districts Presbyterian Church (10 Elspeth Street, Cromwell)
Register at: orc.govt.nz/iwgworkshops

bfea.org.nz

Predator Control Workshop at Omakau Golf Club

Learn about methods for possum, rat and mustelid control with:

• Practical trapping demonstrations

• Toxin control options

• Predator control in the Manuherekia context

1 - 3pm followed by afternoon tea and a field trip to see trapping in action at Orkney Wetland.

Register by emailing nicole@otagocatchments.co.nz

Site 1 - Planting unproductive areas

• 10.30am

• Mark Adam’s

• 56 McDonald Road, Woodside

• Meet at shed.

Site 2 - Enhancing an open drain

• 11.45am

• Cody Cowley’s

• 405 Bush Road, Mosgiel

• Meet at shed.

RSVP to sally.dicey@whirika.co.nz

Rural Emergency Preparedness Workshops

NZ Landcare Trust is embarking on a nationwide workshop series designed to equip rural communities with the tools and knowledge to effectively prepare for and respond to emergency events.

From floods and storms to droughts and other adverse events, being well-prepared can make a world of difference when it matters most.

These workshops are
Fun
Interactive
Practical
Fast-paced

You’ll learn how to plan, respond and recover using the Toolbox Module developed by Taranaki Catchment Communities, alongside support from Avalon Communications.

Where and When:

Nelson – 25 Feb
Dunedin – 18 Mar - Cullen Conference Room, Invermay, Mosgiel
Blenheim – 24 Mar
Canterbury (Dunsandel) – 14 Apr
Ruapehu – 23 Apr
North Waikato – 30 Apr
South Waikato – 4 May
Te Puna (BOP) – 13 May
Whangārei – 19 May

This is about strengthening local capabilities and building resilience in our rural communities, so they are prepared before, supported during, and can recover after an emergency.

Register by March 16th at https://landcare.org.nz/link/form_events_registration/form_events_registration.php?gxEvent_ID=727

Lunch provided

Are you part of a local community group, charity or not-for-profit organisation? huddl and Volunteer South invite you to a free workshop looking at the lifecycle of your non-profit board.

Learn how to attract and welcome new board or committee members
Get practical ideas to keep your group strong when people move on
Take away useful tools to support your board or committee

This session is perfect for volunteer-led groups and committees.

 Māniatoto Arts Centre
 Thursday 12 March
 12.00pm – 1.30pm

Don’t miss this chance to upskill and connect with other community organisations.

Find out more and RSVP at https://huddl.nz/existing-groups/upskilling-and-connections/community-committee-essentials

Want to feel more confident with the finances of your community group?

Join us for a free, practical workshop in Alexandra designed for local community groups and hosted by Georgie McLean from ICL Chartered Accountants and Carole Gillions from huddl and Alexandra Community House.

We’ll cover:

How to read and understand key financial statements

Your responsibilities as a board or committee member

The right questions to ask management or the treasurer

Perfect for new board members, volunteer-led groups, or anyone wanting a refresher on the financial side of governance.

Alexandra Community House, 14/20 Centennial Ave

Free

Register at https://events.humanitix.com/finance-101-for-non-profit...

A free workshop to build your skills and confidence using Canva with Bex Borland - Marketing Consultant, Borland Marketing

Time: 11am – 2pm (lunch included)

Venue: St Enoch’s Church Lounge (next to Alexandra Community Centre)

To register email Camille at admin@otagocatchments.co.nz by 6 March

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is hosting a free in-person workshop in Cromwell to help with all things related to intensive winter grazing (IWG).

Monday, 9 March, 11am
Cromwell & Districts Presbyterian Church (10 Elspeth Street, Cromwell)
Register at: orc.govt.nz/iwgworkshops

The workshop consists of a presentation covering:
• The latest IWG research findings
• Current legislation regarding IWG (what has changed)
• IWG Management Plan overview
• Risk identification in IWG paddocks
• Overview and selection of IWG good management practices.
• A Q&A session

The ORC compliance and catchment advisor teams will help ensure that you leave the workshop with all the updated information you need to know to give you peace of mind for the upcoming winter grazing season.

You will need to register for this workshop (this helps with organising number of staff attending).

There are also other in-person workshops across Otago.

To register or learn more about this in-person IWG workshop and other workshop locations, go to:
orc.govt.nz/iwgworkshops

A chance to reconnect and take a load off. Bring along the farm team and family. Everyone is welcome. Great food, lucky prize draws, activities for the kids.

Clutha Valley Community Centre

There is no cost for dinner but please RSVP number of people and any dietary requirements by text to 0212235498 before 1 Mar.

Non alcoholic drinks provided

Brought to you by Rural Support Trust

What would you like to do for your local environment?

If you’ve got ideas, big or small, then our ECO Fund could be for you!

The ECO Fund supports environment-led projects that protect, enhance, or promote Otago's environment.

Applications for the ECO Fund are opening soon (16 March) — and we want to help you turn your ideas into reality.

Join our webinar to learn more about the ECO Fund and how it could help your environmental project.

When: Tuesday, 3 March at 7pm

Where: Online via Zoom

Link: orc.govt.nz/ecowebinar

What we’ll cover:

What the ECO Fund is (and if it’s right for you)

New funding categories for 2026

Whether you’re a community group, organisation, or private landowner, come along to this webinar to learn more about the ECO Fund.

Can’t make it? No worries — we’ll be recording the session so you can watch it later on.

You will find the recording and other ECO Fund details at:
orc.govt.nz/ecofundwebinar

Keen to grow your confidence and effectiveness as a chair?

Join huddl for 'How to be an Effective Chair' - a practical and engaging workshop in Wānaka, 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.

We ran this session in Cromwell last year and it received rave reviews:

"I liked Giselle's down to earth approach to the subject, her inclusiveness and obvious track record in using what she was teaching."

"This workshop provided practical tips around meeting agendas, valuable tools and key actions to take forward"

Lake Wānaka Centre, 89 Ardmore Street, Wānaka

Cost: $35

Register now: https://huddl.nz/.../upskill.../how-to-be-an-effective-chair

Doug Allan OBE is one of the world’s most respected wildlife cameramen, and he’s coming to New Zealand’s South Island this summer.

Doug has spent more than four decades filming topside and underwater in the world’s most extreme environments, making over fifty expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica. A multi-Emmy and BAFTA award-winning cameraman, his work includes landmark series such as Blue Planet and Planet Earth. It focusses on the realities of working in extreme environments, long-form storytelling, patience, logistics, and the unseen moments behind iconic wildlife footage. Join Doug for an illustrated evening of adventures, encounters and insights from a life spent working behind the lens. 

Will be visiting venues across the South-Island, including Glenorchy (24 February), Wānaka (26 February), and Queenstown (1 March).

Organisers said while Doug is widely recognised for his filmmaking, he is also a strong voice on conservation. Over more than four decades working in some of the world’s most fragile environments - particularly polar and wilderness regions - he has witnessed first-hand the long-term impacts of climate change, human pressure, and biodiversity loss. His talks focus not only on remarkable encounters, but on what has changed, what is at risk, and why storytelling matters in building public care for wild places.

Event format

• 1-hour illustrated talk

• Followed by a live Q&A session

“For me, wildlife cameramen don’t come much more special than Doug. There’s just no one else who knows these frozen worlds as he does.” - David Attenborough

“From the beautiful and breathtaking to the brutal and provocative, whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, documentary maker or simply fascinated by his work, Doug Allan’s stories make this an evening you don’t want to end.” - Total Ntertainment

Tickets and full tour details are available here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/cc/life-behind-the-lens-with-doug-allan-nz-tour-4802224

From problem paddock to thriving wetland. Want to see it for yourself?

Friday 27 February | 1–5pm

Hills Creek Station (1pm)

Merino Ridges (2:45pm)

Come to one stop or both. Hear about real wetland restoration happening right here in the catchment - plus planting, water quality gains, native fish habitat and monitoring.

Practical. Local. Honest conversations.

Please remember: Clean gumboots | 4WD only | No dogs

Registrations recommended by emailing admin@mcg.org.nz

Learn more: mcg.org.nz/news-and-events_events/

Doug Allan OBE is one of the world’s most respected wildlife cameramen, and he’s coming to New Zealand’s South Island this summer.

Doug has spent more than four decades filming topside and underwater in the world’s most extreme environments, making over fifty expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica. A multi-Emmy and BAFTA award-winning cameraman, his work includes landmark series such as Blue Planet and Planet Earth. It focusses on the realities of working in extreme environments, long-form storytelling, patience, logistics, and the unseen moments behind iconic wildlife footage. Join Doug for an illustrated evening of adventures, encounters and insights from a life spent working behind the lens. 

Will be visiting venues across the South-Island, including Glenorchy (24 February), Wānaka (26 February), and Queenstown (1 March).

Organisers said while Doug is widely recognised for his filmmaking, he is also a strong voice on conservation. Over more than four decades working in some of the world’s most fragile environments - particularly polar and wilderness regions - he has witnessed first-hand the long-term impacts of climate change, human pressure, and biodiversity loss. His talks focus not only on remarkable encounters, but on what has changed, what is at risk, and why storytelling matters in building public care for wild places.

Event format

• 1-hour illustrated talk

• Followed by a live Q&A session

“For me, wildlife cameramen don’t come much more special than Doug. There’s just no one else who knows these frozen worlds as he does.” - David Attenborough

“From the beautiful and breathtaking to the brutal and provocative, whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, documentary maker or simply fascinated by his work, Doug Allan’s stories make this an evening you don’t want to end.” - Total Ntertainment

Tickets and full tour details are available here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/cc/life-behind-the-lens-with-doug-allan-nz-tour-4802224

A chance to reconnect and take a load off. Bring along the farm team and family. Everyone is welcome. Great food, lucky prize draws, activities for the kids.

Owaka Community Centre

There is no cost for dinner but please RSVP number of people and any dietary requirements by text to 0212235498 before 1 Mar.

Non alcoholic drinks provided

Brought to you by Rural Support Trust

This is an online (1 hour) follow up session to our in-person Newsletter Workshop that was held in Alexandra last year. If you want to learn how to produce a newsletter for your group and couldn’t make the in-person workshop, or if you did but would like a refresher, reply to this email and we’ll send you a Microsoft Teams link and resources (please indicate if you already have the resources).

As with the in-person workshop, this session will be led by Bex Borland from Borland Marketing. You’ll need to have a log-in for Mailchimp for the session.

Come along to Millers Flat Hall to talk about rural waste and what can be reduced, recycled and reused on farm. With guest speaker, Philippa Cameron from Otematata Station and ‘What’s for Smoko”.

Special deals and spot prizes to be had on the day.

Join us for lunch at 12 ahead of a 12.30pm workshop start time.

Email teviotwater@gmail.com to register your attendance. Please indicate if you’ll be joining us for lunch at 12.

Doug Allan OBE is one of the world’s most respected wildlife cameramen, and he’s coming to New Zealand’s South Island this summer.

Doug has spent more than four decades filming topside and underwater in the world’s most extreme environments, making over fifty expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica. A multi-Emmy and BAFTA award-winning cameraman, his work includes landmark series such as Blue Planet and Planet Earth. It focusses on the realities of working in extreme environments, long-form storytelling, patience, logistics, and the unseen moments behind iconic wildlife footage. Join Doug for an illustrated evening of adventures, encounters and insights from a life spent working behind the lens. 

Will be visiting venues across the South-Island, including Glenorchy (24 February), Wānaka (26 February), and Queenstown (1 March).

Organisers said while Doug is widely recognised for his filmmaking, he is also a strong voice on conservation. Over more than four decades working in some of the world’s most fragile environments - particularly polar and wilderness regions - he has witnessed first-hand the long-term impacts of climate change, human pressure, and biodiversity loss. His talks focus not only on remarkable encounters, but on what has changed, what is at risk, and why storytelling matters in building public care for wild places.

Event format

• 1-hour illustrated talk

• Followed by a live Q&A session

“For me, wildlife cameramen don’t come much more special than Doug. There’s just no one else who knows these frozen worlds as he does.” - David Attenborough

“From the beautiful and breathtaking to the brutal and provocative, whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, documentary maker or simply fascinated by his work, Doug Allan’s stories make this an evening you don’t want to end.” - Total Ntertainment

Tickets and full tour details are available here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/cc/life-behind-the-lens-with-doug-allan-nz-tour-4802224

Take a leisurely walk or Otago Central Rail Trail along the rail trail and help us celebrate World Wetlands Day at Orkney Wetland.

The wetland will be open to view from the platform, with committee members and volunteers on site to share what’s been happening since construction wrapped up. We’ll also have Jo Wakelin running a hands-on seed-planting demonstration – plus you can take some seeds home to grow for future planting at the wetland

And to finish things off… a real fruit ice cream on us back at the Golf Club

Please park at Omakau Golf Course

A great afternoon out for the whole family

*If the weather is poor, we will host World Wetland Day at Omakau Golf Club.

Join us for the session for the year!!!

These volunteer sessions teach propagation/cultivation techniques, leading on to planting and nurturing of the young plants on project sites and are guided by our Nursery Manager. No specific skills or experience are needed, simply drop in and join us.

Everyone is welcome to attend.
Delicious coffee from Venus and snacks are provided.

Address

Join us for the last nursery session for the year!

These volunteer sessions teach propagation/cultivation techniques, leading on to planting and nurturing of the young plants on project sites and are guided by our Nursery Manager. No specific skills or experience are needed, simply drop in and join us.

Everyone is welcome to attend.
Delicious coffee from Venus and snacks are provided.

The nursery sessions will be taking a break from December 24th till 5th January. The next session for the new year will be Tuesday 6th January.

Address

Location: Cardrona River Bridge (off of Ballantyne road past Wastebusters – look for the WAI flags)

What to Bring:
Gloves
Weather-appropriate clothing
Sturdy footwear
Friends, co-workers and whānau!

Join us for a rewarding day of action at the Cardrona River Clean-Up! This is a fantastic opportunity to protect our local waterways while contributing to citizen science.

All collected rubbish will be sorted and recorded in Sustainable Coastlines’ national Litter Intelligence database, helping to track and reduce pollution in our environment.

Everyone is welcome, let’s make a difference together!

Join us for a free workshop on growing native forests.

The workshop is designed to inspire and guide landowners, community members, and nature enthusiasts. Native forests support biodiversity, improve water quality, and help fight climate change by sequestering carbon.

Location: Wānaka Community Hub, 34 McDougall Street, Wānaka

Register now

Secure your spot now via Eventbrite

What you'll learn about

• Growing native forests – Aidan Braid, Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service

• Assisted natural regeneration and transition forestry – Dr Adam Forbes, Forbes Ecology

• Natives and the Emissions Trading Scheme – Aidan Braid, Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service

This workshop is hosted by Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service to support sustainable native afforestation efforts.

Hosted jointly by Otago Catchment Community and the New Zealand Landcare Trust.

🗓 When: Wednesday 10th December, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (online)
🎯 Purpose: For Otago’s urban catchment group leaders to connect, share experiences, and strengthen collaboration between Otago’s urban catchment groups.

Not-for-Profit Governance Essentials course on at the Leisure Lodge, Dunedin.

In this one-day course you will learn the roles and responsibilities of the board and directors from a not-for-profit perspective. At the end of the course your will have a confident grasp of board relationships, robust processes, good decision-making, and the main elements of board operations.

Price: $130 per person (if you’re part of an Otago catchment group talk to OCC about this cost being covered for you)

Facilitator: Giselle McLachlan CFInstD

Please email governancedevelopment@iod.org.nz to register your interest.

Join Ida Valley Catchment Group for a afternoon of learning about drone spraying in beautiful Poolburn Gorge. Meeting at the Poolburn Hub 3pm. Any questions please get in touch idavalley.cg@gmail.com