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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.
Not-for-Profit Governance Essentials
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.
Live drone demonstration - Poolburn Gorge
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
Otago Region Chemical Recovery
Booking open for unwanted or expired agrichemical collection runs in December 2025.
Booking Deadline 15 November 2025.
With free or subsidised recovery for over 3,000 products, Agrecovery makes it easy to return unwanted or expired agrichemicals. Most are free to dispose of, though some may incur a cost, which will be confirmed before collection.
Please take an inventory of your agrichemicals and book via agrecovery.co.nz or info@agrecovery.org.nz
Animal Effluent Storage and Discharge Requirement Workshop
Get consent-ready with our Animal Effluent Storage and Discharge Requirement Workshop.
Are you ready to meet the consent rules for animal effluent by 4 December 2025? All dairy farms in Otago must have lodged resource consent applications for their animal effluent storage and discharge systems by 4 December 2025.
We're running free workshops to help farmers prepare and follow the rules around animal effluent storage and discharge systems.
There will be three workshops:
Papakaio: 21 October, 1-3pm at Papakaio Community Hall
Tapanui: 30 October, 1-3pm at Tapanui Community Library
Balclutha: 12 November, 1-3pm at Clutha District War Memorial & Community Centr
You will need to register for a workshop.
What you can expect to be covered in the workshops:
The current rules for animal effluent storage and discharge
Whether you need to apply for consents by 4 December 2025
What to expect during the annual compliance inspections
You’ll have the chance to ask questions and speak directly with ORC consents and compliance staff, as well as industry professionals.
Got any questions about the workshop? Contact us: catchments@orc.govt.nz
Creating Newsletters that Connect
If your group already sends out newsletters — or you’re thinking about starting one — we’d love to invite you to a practical workshop:
📰 Workshop: Creating Newsletters that Connect
📅 Wednesday, 12th November 2025 | 🕥 10.30am – 2.00pm
📍 Central Otago District Council Chambers, Alexandra
🍽 Lunch provided
Hosted by Otago Catchment Community (OCC) and Bex Borland – Marketing Consultant, Borland Marketing, this session will explore how to create engaging newsletters that strengthen connections with your members and community.
Spaces are limited, so please RSVP by 10th November to:
admin@otagocatchments.co.nz
Animal Effluent Storage and Discharge Requirement Workshop
Get consent-ready with our Animal Effluent Storage and Discharge Requirement Workshop.
Are you ready to meet the consent rules for animal effluent by 4 December 2025? All dairy farms in Otago must have lodged resource consent applications for their animal effluent storage and discharge systems by 4 December 2025.
We're running free workshops to help farmers prepare and follow the rules around animal effluent storage and discharge systems.
There will be three workshops:
Papakaio: 21 October, 1-3pm at Papakaio Community Hall
Tapanui: 30 October, 1-3pm at Tapanui Community Library
Balclutha: 12 November, 1-3pm at Clutha District War Memorial & Community Centr
You will need to register for a workshop.
What you can expect to be covered in the workshops:
The current rules for animal effluent storage and discharge
Whether you need to apply for consents by 4 December 2025
What to expect during the annual compliance inspections
You’ll have the chance to ask questions and speak directly with ORC consents and compliance staff, as well as industry professionals.
Got any questions about the workshop? Contact us: catchments@orc.govt.nz
(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
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
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.
OSRC AGM
We would love to see you at the AGM for Otago South River Care on Thursday 16th October.
It's being held in the gallery area at Te Pou Ō Mata-Au from 7pm. Open to anyone, you do not need to be a current member to attend.
A light supper will be provided.
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
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
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.
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
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!
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.
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
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.
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