Our Work

OCC exists to help Otago’s catchment groups thrive. We do this by providing practical support across funding, coordination, education, and connection to expertise. Our role is to strengthen community-led environmental action by ensuring groups have the tools, guidance, and confidence to achieve their goals.

Supporting Groups to Define Their Own Direction
Every catchment group is unique. Each has its own landscape, priorities, challenges, and community. Because of this, one of the most important things we do is help groups develop a clear and meaningful vision, set of goals, and an up-to-date work plan.

A well-crafted vision and work plan:
• clarifies what matters most to the group
• unites members behind a shared direction
• helps maintain momentum throughout the year
• provides a foundation for securing funding and partnering with others

We do not bring a pre-determined agenda. Instead, we help groups identify what success looks like for them.

 Facilitated Workshops That Bring People Together
Our coordinators are trained facilitators. We design and run workshops that enable groups to think together, decide together, and plan together.

Facilitation is a structured process that:
• encourages open discussion
• ensures every voice is heard
• helps the group surface shared priorities
• supports collaborative decision-making

With the right facilitation, groups gain clarity on where they want to go and how they will get there—while strengthening relationships along the way.

 Why It Matters
Catchment work is most successful when it is community-driven and grounded in local knowledge. By supporting groups to organise themselves well, set their own direction, and stay connected, OCC helps empower long-term, locally led environmental action across Otago.