Catchment Convos

Thriving Southland
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Catchment Convos by Thriving Southland is your go-to podcast for all things Southland Catchment Groups. Dive into thriving projects being driven from the ground up by passionate farmers, communities and industry. Each episode, we explore how these initiatives are transforming our landscapes and fostering sustainability. Join us to hear inspiring stories and practical insights from those making a difference in Southland.

  1. 2 jun

    Wetlands working on Farm | Ep 19

    Wet, boggy corners of the farm are often seen as a problem — but what if they could become one of your farm’s smartest investments? In this episode, we talk about why wetlands are becoming an important part of Southland’s farming future, from improving water quality to helping manage flood and drought risk. Sarah Thorne is joined by DairyNZ Environment Manager Justin Kitto to break down what wetlands actually do, why protecting existing wetlands matters, and how farmers can start small without turning their whole farm into a wetland project. Justin shares practical lessons from projects across Southland, including the mistakes, surprises, and simple steps farmers can take right now. Key Takeaways Why small wetlands spread across farms can have a big impact on water quality, biodiversity, and flood management How to identify low-performing or boggy areas on your farm that could become simple wetland projects Practical advice on starting small, avoiding common mistakes, and working with the landscape instead of against it Justin Kitto is the Environment Manager at DairyNZ and has worked alongside Southland catchment groups and farmers on wetland restoration and constructed wetland projects across the region. If you’ve been curious about wetlands but weren’t sure where to start, this episode will give you practical ideas, real examples, and the confidence to take the first step on your own farm. #catchmentgroups #southlandfarming #ThrivingSouthland #Wetlands #DairyNZ #Waterquality   Connect with us at Thriving Southland Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw   Email: office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz

    27 min.

  2. 1 apr

    Smarter Wintering: Practical Strategies for Healthier Stock, Soil & Teams | Ep 18

    Struggling to balance animal welfare, soil health, and practical wintering on your farm? This episode breaks down what’s actually working on the ground—and how small changes can make a big difference. In this episode, I sit down with Southland farmers Simon Topham and Andrew Miller to talk through their wintering systems, the decisions behind them, and how they’re using data, planning, and experience to improve outcomes for their land, stock, and teams. Key Takeways How to match stock, feed, and paddock conditions to reduce risk and improve performance Why forward planning—right from autumn—can make winter grazing more efficient and less stressful Practical tweaks from real farms that improve soil health, animal welfare, and team wellbeing   Simon Topham and Andrew Miller are experienced Southland farmers who are actively refining their wintering systems through on-farm trials, catchment group projects, and a strong focus on continuous improvement. Press play now and start planning smarter wintering strategies for your farm this season.   #catchmentgroups #southlandfarming #ThrivingSouthland #wintergrazing #sustainablefarming #farmsystems   Connect with us at Thriving Southland Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw   Email: office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz

    16 min.

  3. 25 feb

    Inspiring Women in Rural Leadership | Ep 17

    Balancing farm, family, and community commitments can be challenging, especially when taking on leadership roles. This episode explores practical ways women can lead in rural Southland while staying grounded in their communities. In celebration of International Women’s Day, host Sarah Thorne talks with Clare Officer and Rachael Millar about what leadership really looks like in rural Southland — from the paddock to the boardroom. We share honest stories about backing yourself, building support networks, navigating change, and stepping up in ways that work for you. Key Takeaways Why having a strong support network is essential — and how to build one around youHow to push through imposter syndrome and get comfortable being uncomfortablePractical advice for women in agriculture and environmental science who want to grow, lead, and give back Clare Officer is a dairy and beef farmer in Central Southland, Thriving Southland Board Member and a dedicated community leader, while Rachael Millar is Chief Advisor at Environment Southland and a long-time advocate for collaborative catchment work. If you’ve ever thought about putting your hand up but hesitated, this is your nudge — rural communities thrive when people step forward, so press play and be inspired to take your next step.   #catchmentgroups #southlandfarming #ThrivingSouthland #womeninagriculture #ruralleadership Connect with us at Thriving Southland Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw  Email: office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz

    17 min.

  4. 14 jan

    Starting the animal pest conversation | Ep 16

    Animal pests can undo years of hard work if they’re not tackled properly — and once you think you’ve done enough, you’re probably only halfway there. In this episode, host Sarah Thorne kicks off the animal pest control conversation with Dipton sheep farmer Peter McDonald, who shares what it really took to protect 56 hectares of native bush on his Southland farm. From deer fencing and helicopter control to funding, neighbour coordination, and long-term thinking, this is a practical, honest look at what works when it comes to looking after land and water. Key Takeways  Why understanding what you already have on your land is the first step before spending time or moneyWhat coordinated pest control with neighbours actually looks like in practice — and why it mattersWhy long-term commitment, not quick wins, makes the biggest difference for land, waterways, and future generations  If animal pests are creeping into your catchment or farm, this episode will help you think differently — press play and hear what’s possible when you go further than you thought you needed to.   #Southlandfarming #catchmentgroups #ThrivingSouthland,#communityprojects #SouthlandNZ #animalpestcontrol #landandwater #biodiversity   Connect with us at Thriving Southland Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw   Email: office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz

    17 min.

  5. 09-12-2025

    Behind the scenes of Thriving Southland | Ep 15

    When you hear people talk about Thriving Southland, do you ever wonder how it all actually works behind the scenes? In this episode, I’m breaking it down with Richard Kyte and Tessa Miller so you can understand the real engine room supporting Southland’s catchment groups. We’re talking about what Thriving Southland does, why our ground-up model works, and how everyday farmers and locals are creating practical change that actually sticks. You’ll hear what’s happening across Southland, what’s working, and what’s shaping the next five years. Key Takeaways How ground-up decision-making has helped 37 catchment groups deliver more than 150 projects.Why science, community trust, and simple processes are at the heart of real progress on the land.The challenges and wins farmers are navigating — and what’s giving them confidence for the future.  I’m joined by Richard Kyte, our Project Lead, and Tessa Miller, one of our Catchment Coordinators, who both bring years of experience supporting Southland communities. If you want a clearer picture of how catchment groups actually get things done — and what this means for your own patch — this is the episode to press play on.   #Southlandfarming #catchmentgroups #ThrivingSouthland,#communityprojects #ruralsustainability #SouthlandNZ   Connect with us at Thriving Southland Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw   Email: office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz

    21 min.

  6. 08-10-2025

    Grassroots action in Waikawa | Ep 14

    Generational change doesn’t happen overnight — but in Waikawa, farmers and locals have been steadily putting in the hard yards for over a decade to restore their river and land. In this episode, Rachael sits down with Waikawa Catchment Group representatives Alison Thomas and Craig Short to hear how the group has grown from small beginnings in 2009 into a powerhouse of community-driven projects. From tackling erosion with science-led mapping, to installing sediment traps, fencing off gullies, and planting nearly 9,000 native plants, this catchment is showing what’s possible when people work together. Key Takeaways How seven farmer-led projects are helping to slow the flow, reduce sediment, and improve water quality.The role of science, funding, and local knowledge in creating long-term environmental change.Why community planting days, volunteer support, and shared vision make all the difference in catchment success. Guests Alison Thomas and Craig Short share their personal journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and why they believe every farmer in the catchment can play a part. Don’t miss this inspiring look at grassroots action in Waikawa — hit play now and take away ideas that could spark change in your own patch of paradise. #SouthlandNZ #catchmentgroups #communityprojects #riverrestoration #sedimentcontrol #nativeplants Connect with Waikawa Catchment Group and view the ICMP and Slow the Flow / Erosion Mitigation Project Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/waikawa/ Connect with us at Thriving Southland Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw Email: office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz

    19 min.

  7. 09-09-2025

    Mid Oreti Mini Forest Movement | Ep 13

    Small ideas can spark powerful change. What started as a simple “what if” conversation has turned into a community-led project that’s growing thousands of native plants and reshaping the Mid Oreti Catchment. In this episode, I sit down with Ainsley Adams and Rosie Hunter to talk about the Mid Oreti Mini Forest Movement, how it began, and the impact it’s having across schools, farms, and communities. From monthly drop-in sessions to affordable plant packs, we cover the practical steps that have made this project both achievable and sustainable. Key Takeaways How the Mid Oreti Mini Forest Movement grew from an idea into a self-sustaining community nurseryPractical tips for anyone wanting to grow their own native plants at home or start a local nursery projectThe role of schools, landowners, and community groups in making biodiversity projects thrive Guests Ainsley Adams and Rosie Hunter share their experiences leading this grassroots initiative, including the wins, challenges, and why momentum is everything. Don’t miss this episode if you’re curious about starting something similar in your own community — the advice here could be the kickstart you need. #SouthlandNZ #catchmentgroups #communityprojects #nativeplants Connect with Mid Oreti Catchment Group Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/mid-oreti/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100062936575760 Email: midoreticatchment@gmail.com Connect with us at Thriving Southland Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw Email: office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz

    20 min.

  8. 05-08-2025

    Opportunities in Agritourism | Ep 12

    Ever wondered how your farm could earn more while sharing the Southland story? This episode unpacks how agritourism is already transforming farms into thriving, experience-rich destinations—and why now’s the time to get involved. Rachael chats with Marijke Dunselman, founder of Agritourism New Zealand, about what agritourism really looks like on the ground, how Southland farmers are already making it work, and what support is available to help you get started. From farm tours to high-end stays and veggie garden workshops, Marijke shares the tools, trends and untapped potential waiting right here in our region. Key Takeaways: ·        How Southland farmers are adding new income streams with agritourism ·        What kinds of experiences tourists are actively looking for—and willing to pay for ·        Why collaboration across catchment groups could unlock new tourism opportunities Guest Marijke Dunselman brings decades of tourism expertise and a deep understanding of Southland’s rural landscape through her work with Agritourism New Zealand. Thinking about agritourism but not sure where to start? Hit play—you might just find your next on-farm opportunity. #agritourism #SouthlandNZ #catchmentgroups #ruralbusiness #farmdiversification Connect with Marijke at Agritourism New Zealand Website: https://www.agritourism.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agritourismnz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agritourismnz/ Email: marijke@agritourism.nz Connect with us at Thriving Southland Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw Email: office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz

    19 min.
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Catchment Convos by Thriving Southland is your go-to podcast for all things Southland Catchment Groups. Dive into thriving projects being driven from the ground up by passionate farmers, communities and industry. Each episode, we explore how these initiatives are transforming our landscapes and fostering sustainability. Join us to hear inspiring stories and practical insights from those making a difference in Southland.

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  • Maker
    Thriving Southland
  • Jaren actief
    2024 - 2026
  • Afleveringen
    20
  • Beoordeling
    Veilig
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