News & Events
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Board Talks: Governance Countdown for Charities
A Huddl event
Governance Countdown for Charities
Every registered charity must now review its governance procedures at least once every three years, with the first review due by October 2026 under the Charities Amendment Act 2023. Join Community Governance Aotearoa for a free webinar looking at:
What’s changed under the Act and why it matters for your board.
What a governance review involves - practical steps and tools to get it right.
How to stay compliant and audit-ready without unnecessary complexity
Register here - Zoom call
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:
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
Community Planting day - Waiwera South
Come along and help Otago South River Care plant natives around Waiwera South.
Corner Kuriwao Siding Road, Clinton Highway.
No prior experience needed. This is a great opportunity to meet new people, learn more about native plants, and contribute to the enhancement of our local environment. Please bring drink bottle, closed-toe footwear, and some gloves.
For more information contact Sandra Campbell 027 685 6243
B+LNZ Still Standing, Still Growing
Rural women — this day is for YOU
It might be time to take a step back… and invest in you.
Join us for the B+LNZ “Still Standing, Still Growing” Workshop — a supportive, down-to-earth day designed especially for rural women.
This isn’t just another workshop — it’s a chance to:
Step off the farm and reset your thinking
Learn practical tools for resilience and mindset
Gain insights into finance, succession & your future
Connect with other amazing rural women (and have a few laughs!)
With inspiring guest speakers and real, practical takeaways you can use straight away — this is about real tools for real life.
• Jemma Brunton (AWDT)
• Haley van Leeuwen (Craigs Investment Partners)
• Alice Sanders (Lawyer, farmer & business owner)
• Sandra Campbell & Anne Sutton (MPI On Farm Support)
Come along, meet like-minded women, and leave feeling refreshed, supported, and ready for what’s next.
Spots are limited, so register now:
Or get in touch with me for more info
Theresa.Laws@beeflambnz.com
Backyard Bird Count with FOBC x Southern Lakes Sanctuary
Have you ever wondered which birds call Bullock Creek home?
Join Friends of Bullock Creek & Southern Lakes Sanctuary for a community bird watch and bird count at Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs. No experience needed, just curiosity and a warm jacket.
30 June & 5 July
12pm–1pm
107 Stone Street, Wānaka
Plus, enjoy a free mug of hot soup after the count.
Registrations are essentials as space is limited.
To register email admin@fobc.kiwi
Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards - Farming for the Future - A celebration of Sustainability
Join us for an evening of conversation, connection, and inspiration with fellow farmers, growers, and primary sector professionals.
Hear from Andrew and Rachel Miller, 2024 Ballance Farm Environment Awards Supreme Winners from Southland, and learn more about MPI’s On Farm Support service.
Why come along?
Meet past entrants and BFEA alumni
Hear firsthand about the fantastic reasons to enter the awards – or encourage someone else to enter
Learn about the many benefits and opportunities that come from being involved
Connect with others in the industry and share sustainability stories and ideas
Enjoy delicious local pulled lamb buns, refreshments, and sweet treats to finish off the evening
Wednesday 24 June 2026
5.00pm – 7.00pm
Norwood Showroom, 179 Dukes Road North, Mosgiel
RSVP by Friday 19 June
Camille McAtamney
027 418 3414
We'd love to see you there for a relaxed evening celebrating sustainability, innovation, and the people helping shape the future of farming.
Sustainable Dairy Growth
Explore how dairy growth, infrastructure investment and environmental outcomes are being balanced through a live dairy conversion in Southland.
Location: Jon & Birgit Pemberton’s farm - 507 Pioneer Hwy, Brydone.
11am Registration/Lunch on arrival - 4:30pm
BBQ's kindly provided by Open Country Dairy and ANZ
Get in touch if you want any more detail: Sustainable Dairy Growth. Please register through this link.
Pest Management Strategy
Been involved with the Te Hakapupu Pleasant Catchment Pest Management Strategy?
Join us as we celebrate the completion of this important project and acknowledge the contributions of everyone who has helped along the way.
Come and hear from those involved, learn about the final strategy, and find out what the next steps are for pest management across the catchment.
Enjoy a special wild food-themed lunch
Test your taste buds with our Mystery Meat Platter Challenge
Go in the draw to win a voucher from Beanos Bakery
All the details are in the flyer below. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Steph.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Catchment Communities Aotearoa (CCA) National Forum
You are warmly invited to attend the National Forum, Networking Evening, and AGM, bringing members together from across the country to connect with leaders, MPs, and industry. Please click the link below to register your attendance.
RSVP by 20th May 2026 to secure your spot.
Register for the National Forum and 2026 AGM
About the event
The National Forum 09:00 - 16:30
Expect keynotes, panel discussions on future funding, workshops on catchment groups in action, real-world insights, and innovation. Coffee on arrival from 9:00 for a 10:00 start, with lunch and afternoon tea provided. Detailed Agenda coming soon.
Evening networking reception 17:45 - 20:30
Connect with peers, industry leaders, and politicians, with a guest speaker during the evening. Drinks and Food provided.
Pomahaka Galaxiid Sanctuary Community Planting Day
Join Pomahaka Water Care Group for a couple of hours to help with this community project caring for the local environment.
huddl Fundraising & AI Workshop
Fundraising & AI Workshop with guest speaker Lani Evans!
AI is rapidly changing the fundraising landscape, but what does that actually mean for community groups, charities, and for-purpose organisations?
In this workshop, we’ll explore practical ways AI can help boost funding efforts. We’ll also unpack some of the big questions around AI, including ethics, risks, and governance, so organisations can approach these tools with confidence.
Workshop details:
Thursday 11 June | 4.30 pm – 6.00 pm | Alexandra Community House, 14/20 Centennial Avenue, Alexandra
Ideal for staff, volunteers, board and committee members - all welcome!
This is a FREE workshop, but spaces are limited. Grab your spot via the link below:
https://huddl.nz/.../upskilli.../fundraising-and-ai-workshop
Friends of Bullock Creek - AGM
Join us for our Annual General Meeting
We’d love to see our community come together for an update on what we’ve been working on, what’s ahead, and how you can be involved.
Thursday 28 May
5.30–7.30pm
Wānaka Community Hub
Everyone is welcome. Come along, ask questions, and connect with the FOBC whānau.
Image kindly provided by @waiwanaka @dgerl
Telford Open Day
Ever wondered what goes on at Telford?
• Guided campus tour
• Industry guests
• Meet students
• Discover career pathways
• Sausage Sizzle
Date: Wed, 27th of May 2026
Time: 10am – 1pm
Location: Telford Campus - Address: Waitepeka 9240
Proximity: Under ten minutes from Balclutha
Electrify Clutha
Clutha Development and Rewiring Aotearoa invite the community to an evening conversation about energy resilience and electrification in the Clutha District.
This discussion-based session will explore:
• what electrification looks like in practice
• how communities can improve resilience and preparedness
• what community-led action could look like locally
The evening is intended to support information sharing, discussion, and next steps, not product promotion.
Date: Tuesday 26th May
Time: 5:30–7:30pm
Venue: TPŌMA, 6 Clyde Street, Balclutha ( Auditorium )
Audience: Open to all
All welcome.
Take a Breath Sleep Week
Take a Breath Sleep Week kicks off nationwide on Monday 25 May with a promise to improve New Zealanders’ sleep.
We all live busy lives! Between the farm and work, kids, keeping the house running, and everything else in-between, prioritising yourself isn't always top of the list. It's time for that to change, starting with how you sleep.
If you’ve ever struggled dropping off to sleep, staying asleep, or getting good quality sleep, you’ll want to be part of the National Sleep Experiment during Take a Breath Sleep Week.
Take a Breath provides the science, simple tools, and an app to nudge the right habits to reset your breathing patterns and measurably improve your sleep. The data is compelling with 76% of people improving their sleep by changing one simple thing – their breathing.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
It's simple. You don't need special equipment, expensive classes, or hours of your time:
Download the free app. Head to takeabreath.world and download the Take a Breath app (iOS or Android). It takes less than a minute.
Join the 7-Day Sleep Challenge. The app guides you through proven breathing techniques and nudges you to practice throughout your day. No complex instructions — just simple, intentional breaths.
Track your progress. Complete a simple quiz at the start and end of the week to measure improvements in your sleep quality, anxiety levels, and energy.
Attend a free seminar (optional). During Take a Breath Sleep Week, expert speakers explain the breathing science in detail. Free 60-minute sessions available online and in-person. Check out the website HERE> for more information.
Make it a habit. After the event ends, you'll continue to have access to the app and all its resources forever. Breathing well isn't a 7-day sprint — it's a practice.
Century Farms & Station Awards - Lawrence
2026 event date
This year's event date has been set for the weekend 15 - 17 May 2026. We encourage visiting families to book accommodation well in advance.
Century Farmers Club
Already a Century Farm award recipient? Stay up-to-date by joining the "Century Farmers Club" where you receive a copy of each year's awards presentation booklet. Contact us for further information.
Follow us on Facebook
Follow our Facebook page for latest news and profiles on some of our award recipients.
huddl - TREASURER 101 - A guide for treasurers of community organisations
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
Otago Catchment Leaders Forum
Otago Catchment Community and NZ Landcare Trust - Otago Catchment Leaders Forum
Earnscleugh Hall - 506 Earnscleugh Road
From Practice to Impact: Catchments in Action
For more information and to RSVP (by Friday May 8th) contact Camille admin@otagocatchments.co.nz , 027 418 3414
Resolution Grand Tour
Lawrence, our Grand Tour is coming back this year with a new spin on the format
Here’s what you can expect on the night:
Power Hour (6:00pm) - Kick things off with a hands-on support session led by the Resolution team.
This is a great opportunity to get more out of Resolution, ask questions, or simply have a chat in a more informal setting — whether you're already using it or just curious to learn more.
A few examples of what you might want to chat through or get help with:
- Getting your team set up
- Adding and managing staff
- Organising and updating tags
- Enabling and using Chat day-to-day
- Making the most of Map Layers
- Seeing how Resolution could work for your operation (we’ll have a sales representative there if you’d like to chat further or get a live demo)
Resolution Real Talk (7:00pm) - A relaxed evening with a light supper, a few refreshments, and an open, informal atmosphere.
Resolution Update & Tips : A short overview of the past 12 months, including key new features and practical takeaways
Farmer Panel: Hear from farmers sharing how they’re using Resolution in their day-to-day, the impact it’s had, and real examples from their operation
Open Q&A: Ask questions, share ideas, and be part of the conversation
Feel free to join us for the Power Hour, the main session, or both.
Register here: https://forms.gle/8QcKUnrsg2eYRPxT9
SO Farming for Profit - Inside the Farm Gate: Practical Feral Animal Control Tools
An invitation to a South Otago Farming for Profit event focused on practical, on-farm feral animal control tools and strategies.
When: Friday 8 May 2026, 1:00–4:00pm
Where: Toko Rugby Club, Union Street, Milton
Otago & Southland BFEA Open Day
Otago: Kane property - Westholm Dairies, Dairy & Beef, Tapanui, 9am
Southland: Roberts property - Top Deck Trading, Dairy Grazing, Deer and Beef, Marino Downs, 1pm
SAVE THE DATE!
Why burn fuel twice when you can visit TWO incredible farms in ONE trip?
We're bringing people together, sharing ideas, and showcasing some great work happening across Otago & Southland!
Bringing you double the ideas, double the inspiration… and better value for your diesel
Make sure you’re following our page and Southland's Ballance Farm Environment Awards page, so you don’t miss out!