$50k funding to set up Tairāwhiti catchment group

Planting in the Waimatā Catchment, thanks to support from Whaia Titirangi, the project behind planting on Titirangi/Kaiti Hill. Picture supplied

The Government has supported farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally-led catchment groups, and the soon-to-be-formed Tairawhiti Catchment Collective will receive $50,000 of it for their work.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced the funding this week.

“Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” Mr McClay says.

“The Government is investing in a further seven catchment groups to ensure farmers and growers have the on-the-ground support and resources they need.

“The Kaweka, Wairarapa and West Waikato Coastal Community Catchment Collectives will all receive significant support over the coming four years to support economic resilience, skill development, environmental education, and rural wellbeing.”

Mr McClay said the Waiotahe Watercare Group, Tairāwhiti Catchment Collective, Piako-Waihou Catchment Trust, and Farmers Across Marble Aquifer have also received funding.

The Tairawhiti Catchment Collective funding will be spread over four months.

“Catchment groups led by farmers and other members of rural communities are doing significant work across the country to sustainably achieve common goals, improve practices, and share information,” Mr McClay said.

“It is important we support those who know, and work, the land in their efforts to care for and enhance it.”

This phase one funding for the Tairawhiti Catchment Collective will be used to meet with the community to scope the work programme of a longer term project that will form the catchment support network, said facilitator Shanna Cairns.

“The support network will support existing and new catchment groups across the region,” she said.

“It seeks to remove administrative burden and barriers from the current catchment group model.

“We will have dates and locations available for the formation of the support group available in the near future.”

The Waimata, Motu and Whangara catchment groups are examples of groups that operate at the moment.

“With community support, we hope to get the Rere Community Catchment Group up and running soon.

“Anyone else who is keen to get started should contact me at AgFirst.”