March 2025 - Newsletter
Tēnā koutou Catchment members,
As always we would like to thank you for your continued support.
Here’s your March update. This is our newsletter that provides you with all you need to know for the upcoming month and a look back at past events.
It’s been a busy start to 2025 with events and planning.
Navigating Change Together
The admin team attended a multi sector event Navigating Change Together in Karapiro organised by the WRC. At this event a range of speakers shared how our rural sector has managed change in the past, and how we can Navigate Change Together going forwards. It was an opportunity for stakeholders across various sectors to converge, share insights, and foster collaborative solutions. Designed with a focus on rural professionals, industry groups, processors, catchment group leaders, and influential farmers, the event aimed to provide updates on regulations, showcase innovative tools under development, and offer a platform for in-depth discussions.
We have been asked by some members, What about Plan Change 1?
PC1 remains with the Environment Court who has signaled it intends to release an interim decision in the coming months.
Native Planting Day
Wednesday 19th March, with a focus on Riparian Waterway Planting
We had a fabulous turnout with more than 50 people signing in throughout the day.
We received consistent feedback from our farmers when we asked what they would have done differently. They all expressed a wish that they had started earlier.
“The worst thing to do is nothing. Start small and start early.”
We visited three sites within our catchment area:
Tom and Anna Mandeno
Phillip and Anne Woodward
Raymond and Tanja Lempriere
We heard from our valued expert speakers and there were many opportunities to speak to them privately or in small groups throughout the day as well.
Robert Shearer – Native Awa
James Ranstead – Restore Native
Rick Donaghue - WRC
Paul Smith - WRC
To read more about this day check out our blog here.
First Aid Courses
We have had a great response from you for our two Hato Hone St John First Aid courses. These were subsidised so you could attend this for $50 instead of the usual $195 for all our members.
Thursday 27 March at Te Akau Community Complex feedback was that it was a long but very good day.
Tuesday 8 April at Nikau Cave and Cafe, Waikaretu is fully booked and registrations are closed for this event. We will continue to offer first aid courses in the future.
Surviving the Dry
The agriculture minister has extended a drought declaration in the Waikato that recognises the impact the extended hot, dry conditions are having on many farmers. The conditions have been classified as a “medium-scale adverse event” and unlocks further government support for farmers and growers including tax relief and rural assistance payments.
Farmers and growers should reach out to Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 or MPI’s On Farm Support Team on 0800 707 133 for support.
We are holding a Surviving the Dry event together with Beef + Lamb NZ and Rural Support on Wednesday 2 April at Te Akau Community Complex.
Registration is essential as numbers are limited. To register visit our events page on our website.
AGM + Community Dinner
Wednesday 2nd April, 5pm, Nikau Cave & Cafe
Enjoy a recap of our projects and progress over the last year, hear about future plans and opportunities to get involved, and connect with like-minded community members—all while sharing a meal in great company.
Cash bar, please register on the events page of our website.
MEMBERS - Dinner provided
NON-MEMBERS - $25 Dinner, price includes annual membership
Pest Control
You may have seen Cam Speedy and his pest control team in the community this month. Cam will give us a full report in early April.
Initial results show there has been confirmation of pigs, deer, goats, possums, rabbits and rats so far.
Water Testing
Water Quality testing has begun and we are looking forward to discovering what our waterways look like and what we need to do to improve them.
Looking ahead, we’ve got many workshops planned, don’t forget to take a look at our website to check what’s coming up and see how you can get involved.
Heoi anō tāku mō nāianei, That’s all for now,
Sandra, Robyn and Sarah