This section is for resources OCC have been given permission to share as well as a place for resources created by OCC which will benefit catchment groups

ACE National Resource Database

The ACE National resource database houses some top information to support work for catchment and water care groups. The great mahi supported by NZ Landcare Trust to pull all of this together is a testament to all the work that has gone on, and continues to happen in our community driven groups. These tools have been pulled together in this ‘one stop shop’.

e-DNA; what is it and how would I use it?

E-DNA (Environmental DNA) has gained a lot of interest in recent times from catchment groups, from councils and individuals wanting to know a bit more about what life is in their creek, or stream. It’s also a tool that has been folded into the standard of working towards FAP+.

  • Environmental DNA, or eDNA, refers to all the tiny traces of genetic material that is left behind as living things pass through water or soil.

    It’s a handy way to gain an understanding of what is currently leaving traces of DNA in your creek - whether passing through, or living in there.

    There is support available from a number of places should your group wish to engage in using this tool.

    Provided below are some places you can go to find out a bit more about this handy tool.

    Wilderlab - the laboratory who take the samples and analyse them for you. You can opt to have your samples made publicly available or stay private. Look on their map to see the publicly available results.

    Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - A great spot to check out to understand more about e-DNA sampling, how the kits work and what to do with one yourself.

    There is a video here on how to deploy a sample kit

    Here is a good place to read up on how other groups have used this wee bit of tech.

    Should you wish to find out more, OCC can give you some direction, so get in touch with one of us and we can help you make a plan.

Chris Tanner Workshop Presentation

From the Catchment Leaders forum held in July 2022.

Hamiora Gibson - ‘Sam the Trapman’ tours Otago. June 2023

Following Hamiora Gibson aka ‘Sam the Trapman’ events throughout Otago in June is a resource to outline a step by step the process which Sam and his team took to ensure Catchment Groups were provided with what was needed in the wake of cyclone Gabrielle.

If you didn’t make it to any of these events, the evening sessions on Gibson’s tour focused on community preparedness for adverse events and how groups can use their skills to implement changes that benefit them. 

Lizards of Otago

Dr David Norton Biodiversity Short Video Series Links

All of these videos have been created as a shared resource between OCC, Beef & Lamb NZ and NZ Landcare Trust.

We wish to acknowledge the work behind the scenes from our awesome videographer who spent numerous hours pulling all of this together for your learning!

  • 1/ Why Should You As a Farmer Think About Native Biodiversity? LINK

    2/ Why Is Native Biodiversity Important To You? LINK

    3/ On Farm Biodiversity Planning. LINK

    4/ Methods For Monitoring Biodiversity Progress. LINK

  • What is biodiversity? Link

    1. Why does biodiversity matter? Link

    2. Working together on biodiversity. Link

    3. Incorporating biodiversity into your farm management. Link

    4. How to start a biodiversity monitoring plan. Link

    5. The benefits of biodiversity on your farm. Link

    6. What if I have no biodiversity? Link

    7. How to deal with regulations. Link

    8. Expanding biodiversity areas and remnants. Link soon.

Sucession Planning

This is a quick and simple check-sheet for groups wanting to begin water testing and includes a video on how to take a sample along with a list of some water testing labs available in the lower South island.