News & Events
Poolburn Gorge planting
Join Ida Valley Catchment Group on Saturday 3 October from 11am for an Ida Valley community planting day near the Poolburn Viaduct.
We’re starting the next chapter of our work in the Poolburn Gorge, restoring native vegetation following our successful willow control projects - and we’d love plenty of helping hands!
Access is via the Otago Central Rail Trail from the Auripo Road car park - bring your bike or walk along the trail. The planting site is before the viaduct.
Wear sensible shoes as we’ll be working on sloping ground, bring a hat and, most importantly, a keen attitude! We’ll have water and light snacks available during the day.
We’ll wrap up around 3pm with a BBQ and beers kindly sponsored by ICL Chartered Accountants - just remember to bring a chair!
Come along, lend a hand and help us enhance this special part of the Ida Valley.
Please share far and wide - all hands on deck!
University of Otago Freshwater Forum
A showcase of all freshwater-related research across the University, with staff, students and interested stakeholders welcome.
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.
When: Wednesday 7th of October, 9am - 5pm (informal social event to follow)
Where: Tūhura Otago Museum
Cost: Free (catering is provided, so please ensure that you register for catering purposes)
REGISTER VIA THE LINK BELOW BEFORE 7TH SEPTEMBER 2026.
The second annual University of Otago Freshwater Forum – REGISTER HERE
Native Tree Planting Day with Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group and Tiaki Maniototo
Come make a meaningful difference to the Styx Valley by participating in a planting day this spring! This collaborative day features native trees donated by Trees that Count, on-the-day assistance from Tiaki Maniototo and Central Wilding Group and a lunch generously provided by EcoFund.
Reply to inge@centralwildingconifers.co.nz to register your interest. RSVP by October 03 for carpooling and catering purposes.
Planting site 2WD accessible https://maps.app.goo.gl/8HEeCiST4N5tiFdy8
OCC AGM
Join us on Teams for our Annual General Meeting - or for more info contact admin@otagocatchments.co.nz
Otago Catchment Community Direct Group Funding Round Opens
Our first round of Direct Group Funding opens on 1st November and closes on the 30th November.
See our Webpage for more details:
Economic Development Conference - Cromwell
See the below website for registration & more details:
Agritech Unleashed: Dunedin 2026
Agritech Unleashed is a series of regionally distributed experiences that will celebrate and explore the unique characteristics of each region’s agritech ecosystem. Every region has distinct agricultural priorities, challenges, stakeholders, and infrastructure, which influence the adoption, interoperability, and scaling of agritech innovations.
We’re creating a platform for meaningful conversations to:
highlight unique regional strengths
gain insights by showcasing innovations in their natural environments
strengthen industry connections to foster collaboration
connect local solutions to national and global opportunities
To nourish the changes that will result in a more significant impact of agritech, we must explore how these connected local actions can evolve into larger systems of influence. The Agritech Unleashed series will catalyse emerging practices by helping to identify, connect, refine, and scale agritech innovations that are locally grounded and more widely interconnected nationally and globally.
Register at: https://events.humanitix.com/agritech-unleashed-dunedin-2026
Otago Urban Catchment Group Forum
Otago Catchment Community and NZ Landcare Trust invite Otago Urban Catchment Groups to this on-line forum for 2026. More details to follow.
Pomahaka Galaxiid Sanctuary Community Planting Day
SAVE THE DATE! Friday 25th September Pomahaka Catchment Group are having a planting day (last one for the year) to get around 200 more plants in the ground. Join us at the Galaxiid Sanctuary - Kent St, Tapanui to lend a hand and be part of this community project to protect our native fish and provide a native sanctuary in the heart of Tapanui.
More information on the Pomahaka Catchment Group Facebook page
Building Good Partnerships - Corporates and Non-Profits Working Together
Brought to you by QLDC, huddl, Three Lakes Cultural Trust, Sport Central, Conservation Alliance in collaboration with the BforGood Programme - a partnership between 45South Community Foundation and the Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce.
Register your interest to join us as we explore what it takes to build meaningful partnerships that deliver real, long-term impact and benefit for both corporate, non-profit and the community.
This session combines a panel discussion with a hands-on workshop, exploring the key ingredients of successful collaboration: aligned values, strategic intent, shared purpose, and mutual benefit.
Facilitated by Vic Crockford, Executive Director of communications and government relations consultancy, Heft, hear from local charities and businesses, as they share their insights and what they've learned about making partnerships work.
This workshop is ideal for established organisations that are either ready to begin partnering with corporates or are already active in this space and looking to deepen their understanding.Venue: Whakatipu Rowing Club
🔗 Spaces are limited – register your interest now on the link below.
https://events.humanitix.com/building-good-partnerships-2026
NZ Fish Finder App Demonstration
An NZ Landcare Trust and DairyNZ event.
Join Christophe Thiange, Senior Scientist and Craig Depree, Principal Scientist Freshwater, DairyNZ
Hosted by Nardene Berry, Waikato Regional Coordinator at NZ Landcare Trust.
What we’ll cover:
What the fish finder shows
How to navigate around the fish finer
What cool things you might use the data for to help you in your work.
Register for the webinar here
WAI Wānaka x RealNZ Community Car Wash
Fundraising event: WAI Wānaka x RealNZ Community Car Wash at Treble Cone, at the bottom of the mountain (look for the WAI flags).
Keen to help on the day? Fill out the volunteer form
Rural Support: Brunch on Us - Henley/Taieri
Friday Sept 11th, drop by anytime between 11am -1pm.
Otago Rural Support Trust know it is a busy time of year so drop by for a feed and a yarn. Take a breather, brunch is on them!
Henley Community Centre - 1218 Centre Road
Ai: Have a go! - Cromwell
Curious about AI but not sure where to start?
As part of Adult Learners Week, Central Otago REAP are offering three FREE AI: Have a Go! workshops where you can explore AI in a friendly, welcoming space.
Location: Cromwell REAP Room 19 Molyneux Ave
Free
https://www.coreap.org.nz/com-edu/category/digital-knowledge-at-your-fingertips
Ai: Have a go! - Lake Hāwea
Curious about AI but not sure where to start?
As part of Adult Learners Week, Central Otago REAP are offering three FREE AI: Have a Go! workshops where you can explore AI in a friendly, welcoming space.
Location: Lake Hāwea Community Centre, 28 Myra Street,
Free
https://www.coreap.org.nz/com-edu/category/digital-knowledge-at-your-fingertips
Predator Free Happy Hour Dunedin
The team from the Predator Free New Zealand Trust is hitting the road for a series of happy hours across the country.
Each gathering will include a few short presentations, plenty of time for discussion, and some kai. It’s a chance to reflect on how far the movement has come, share ideas and experiences, and explore how we can best support one another in the years ahead.
Ai: Have a go! - Alexandra
Curious about AI but not sure where to start?
As part of Adult Learners Week, Central Otago REAP are offering three FREE AI: Have a Go! workshops where you can explore AI in a friendly, welcoming space.
Location: Alexandra Community House
Free
https://www.coreap.org.nz/com-edu/category/digital-knowledge-at-your-fingertips
On Farm Biodiversity Field Day
Event by East Otago Catchment Group
An on farm field day looking at Biodiversity on farm and practical options for managing your biodiversity including options such as QEII.
Guest speakers: David Norton, Becky Hardinge (ORC) and Morgan Trotter (QEII)
Foote Farm, Ireland Road, Goodwood, East Otago
See event on Facebook
Board Talks: Governance Reviews
A huddl event:
With the first governance reviews due by October 2026, this Board Talk is a timely one for anyone involved in charity governance.
The Charities Amendment Act 2023 introduced a new requirement for registered charities to review their governance procedures at least once every three years. This session will unpack what the changes mean, what a governance review actually involves, and some practical ways to get prepared and stay compliant without making it more complicated than it needs to be.
Location: Online via Zoom
REGISTER HERE
NZ Institute of Forestry Conference: Back to Business: Forward with Confidence
Join industry leaders, innovators, researchers, and practitioners as we share success stories, highlight cutting-edge innovation, and explore strong partnerships that deliver both environmental and economic gains. Together, we’ll demonstrate what good forestry looks like – sustainable, safe, and forward-focused and rebuild confidence in an industry that is vital to New Zealand’s future.
For further details and registration: NZIF EVENTS
In recent years, forestry in New Zealand has faced intense scrutiny, high-profile challenges, and moments that have tested our industry’s reputation. Now, it’s time to shift the narrative. The 2026 NZIF Conference, Back to Business: Forward with Confidence, is about showcasing how we can and do get forestry right.
GoodYarn Workshop Teviot Valley
OCC and Teviot Valley Water Care are bringing GoodYarn to the Teviot Valley.
GoodYarn is an award winning, evidence-based mental health literacy programme.
Join us for this 3-hour workshop at Millers Flat Hall.
Refreshments provided.
Limited spaces. Click here to Register
Business Continuity Planning - Queenstown
Free workshop for NZ business owners.
Queenstown Chamber of Commerce, Level 3/19 Rees Street, Queenstown
The businesses that recover fastest from a crisis aren’t the luckiest ones. They’re the ones that planned ahead.
This interactive online Business Continuity Planning workshop gives you a practical framework and resources to assess your vulnerabilities, build a response plan, and know exactly what to do when your business faces disruption. Covering everything from risk assessment and supply chain protection, to leading your team confidently through change.
Spaces are limited.
Grow Your Own Natives Workshop - Alexandra
Learn how to grow natives from seed in your own nursery and direct seeding techniques from farmer Sandra Campbell and the team at Weka Garden Shop. Sandra has successfully revegetated her farm with natives she grew herself. Come learn how - and have a yarn with like-minded landowners.
WHERE WEKA GARDEN SHOР 577 Dunstan Road, Alexandra REGISTER ON HUMANITIX No charge - spaces are limited events.humanitix.com/native-revegetation-workshop
B+LNZ Mastering your Farm Financial Workshops - Middlemarch
Middlemarch Golf Club, 65 Garthmyl Road, Middlemarch, 9596
Give attendees knowledge of how they can best utilize their farm accounting software.
This workshop is open to all farming businesses utilizing farm accounting software. It doesn't matter if you use Farm Focus, Fiqured or Xero. You will leave this workshop with knowledge and skills that can be implmeneted straight into your farming business.
What you will learn
Learn tools to complete a business health check.
Gain the skills and understanding of why and how to build an effective budget and identify opportunities.
Identify wider team and how to effectively communicate.
Acquire skills in using financial reports to assess the current financial health of the farm.
Learn how to identify key performance indicators for benchmarking within the overall farm business.
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
Registration
Registrations are essential.
Business Continuity Planning - Balclutha
Free workshop for NZ business owners.
Community Room, Ground Floor, Te Pou Ō Mata-Au, 4/6 Clyde Street, Balclutha.
The businesses that recover fastest from a crisis aren’t the luckiest ones. They’re the ones that planned ahead.
This interactive online Business Continuity Planning workshop gives you a practical framework and resources to assess your vulnerabilities, build a response plan, and know exactly what to do when your business faces disruption. Covering everything from risk assessment and supply chain protection, to leading your team confidently through change.
Spaces are limited.
Business Continuity Planning - Dunedin
Free workshop for NZ business owners.
Training Room, Business South Inc, Level 3, 442 Moray Place, Dunedin
The businesses that recover fastest from a crisis aren’t the luckiest ones. They’re the ones that planned ahead.
This interactive online Business Continuity Planning workshop gives you a practical framework and resources to assess your vulnerabilities, build a response plan, and know exactly what to do when your business faces disruption. Covering everything from risk assessment and supply chain protection, to leading your team confidently through change.
Click here to Register. Spaces are limited.
B+LNZ Mastering your Farm Financial Workshops
Cellar Door, 143 Centennial Avenue, Alexandra, 9320
Give attendees knowledge of how they can best utilize their farm accounting software.
This workshop is open to all farming businesses utilizing farm accounting software. It doesn't matter if you use Farm Focus, Fiqured or Xero. You will leave this workshop with knowledge and skills that can be implmeneted straight into your farming business.
What you will learn
Learn tools to complete a business health check.
Gain the skills and understanding of why and how to build an effective budget and identify opportunities.
Identify wider team and how to effectively communicate.
Acquire skills in using financial reports to assess the current financial health of the farm.
Learn how to identify key performance indicators for benchmarking within the overall farm business.
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
Registration
Registrations are essential.
Tiaki Maniototo Roadshow
It’s the 2026 Tiaki Maniototo Roadshow!
Programme:
• 10am - Murals in Ranfurly (9 Charlemont Street)
• Creamery Bridge
• Wilson Road Community Site
• 12pm - Patearoa Nursery ( toilet stop )
• Saline Wetland
• Loganburn Confluence
• Styx Viewpoint
• Shelterbelt Transition
• Patearoa Nursery (refreshments and Waipiata Pie co Pies!)
On Tiaki Maniototo Facebook
Upper Taieri Wai / Tiaki Maniototo / Waipiata Pie Co.
Business Continuity Planning - Cromwell
Free workshop for NZ business owners.
The Gate, 6 Barry Avenue, Cromwell
The businesses that recover fastest from a crisis aren’t the luckiest ones. They’re the ones that planned ahead.
This interactive online Business Continuity Planning workshop gives you a practical framework and resources to assess your vulnerabilities, build a response plan, and know exactly what to do when your business faces disruption. Covering everything from risk assessment and supply chain protection, to leading your team confidently through change.
Spaces are limited.
Skiing for Farmers, Ōhau, Otago
Skiing for Farmers is back for 2026 and Otago Rural Support Trust have teamed up with the crew at Ōhau again who have come up with an awesome deal that will have you tearing up the slopes whether you are a first timer or have a bit more experience under your belt.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand have also generously sponsored the event so that ticket prices are even further discounted for growers and farmers (as well as funding lunch and a hot drink at the cafe!).
The plan for the day is:
9.00am- Meet and get your lift passes and gear sorted and organise into beginners, intermediate and advanced groups
10.30-12.30pm - Lesson 1 (for those that have included lessons in their tickets)
12.30pm - 2.00pm, - Otago Rural Support Trust team will be up on the mountain to keep you fueled up with a free BBQ lunch (thanks to B+LNZ)
2.00pm onwards - Lesson 2.
3.30pm - Return rental gear.
There are a number of different pricing options depending what gear you need to hire and whether you want lessons or just lift passes.
Come, bring the family and join us for an awesome day off the farm or orchard!
https://www.rural-support.org.nz/events/skiing-for-farmers-ohau-otago
I'm good...Are you? Willie Apiata VC
A RuralSupport event.
Willie Apiata, one of NZ’s Victoria Cross recipients, has face situations many of us couldn’t dream of. But his insights into looking out for yourself and your mates are relatable to everyone.
Poolburn Moa Creek Community Hall, 142 Poolburn - Moa Creek Road.
Register today for this unmissable event at:
https://www.rural-support.org.nz/events/im-good-are-you---willie-apiata-poolburn-otago
I'm good...Are you? Willie Apiata VC
A RuralSupport event.
Willie Apiata, one of NZ’s Victoria Cross recipients, has face situations many of us couldn’t dream of. But his insights into looking out for yourself and your mates are relatable to everyone.
Te Pou ō Mata Au, Clutha District War Memorial and Community Centre, 6 Clyde St, Balclutha.
Register today for this unmissable event at:
https://www.rural-support.org.nz/events/im-good-are-you---willie-apiata-balclutha-otago
Public Meeting - Rural Nats
With Hon Nicola Willis & Matthew French
At West Taieri Rugby Club - 102 Formby Street, Outram
EOCG AGM
We would like to invite all EOCG members to our Annual General Meeting, details in the flyer below.
If you would like to nominate someone for the committee or become a member please contact the secretary at eocatchmentgroup@gmail.com.
Pomahaka AGM
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1LCGtdxPUk/
Don’t miss our Annual General Meeting! Come along next Tuesday, 21 July, for an evening of connection, updates, and inspiration. Dinner for members starts at 6pm, followed by the AGM and guest speaker Jane Smith at 7pm.
RSVP by Thursday, 16 July so we can confirm dinner catering requirements. Email pwcg2016@gmail.com or text 0274433506. We’d love to see you there!
Recycling your Agri-plastic made easy
The Lindis Catchment Group is hosting a local agri-plastic recycling event in Tarras, with support from Agrecovery.
This is a practical opportunity for farmers and growers in the area to drop off eligible plastics for recycling for free, including agrichemical containers, drums, small seed and feed bags, and bulk bags.
The Agrecovery truck will be on site to shred and process material, and we’ll also have coffee and pies available for those who come along.
Event details
Tarras Hall
Tuesday 21 July
10am to 2pm
What you can bring
Agrichemical containers and drums
Containers and drums must be triple rinsed, with labels left on and bungs removed.
Small seed and feed bags
Bags must be clean and packed in Agrecovery liners. If you need liners, please contact Paula at the Lindis Catchment Group before the event.
½ tonne and 1 tonne bulk bags
Bulk bags must be clean, dry and folded into one bulk bag before drop-off.
Before coming along, please check the Agrecovery website to ensure your products are from participating brands so we can accept them through the scheme.
To register, or for more information about the event, please email: Lindis.catchment@gmail.com