Catchment Convos

What started with a dead tītī and a community saying “we’ve got to do something” has turned into an 18-year conservation project with an army of automatic traps, a native plant nursery and a much bigger vision for Southland. But how do you keep predators down, bring the forest back to life, and get an entire community behind the work?In this episode, I’m joined by David Swann from the Bluff Hill Motupōhue Environment Trust to hear how a grassroots project in Bluff has grown, what they’ve learned along the way, and why technology, good data and strong relationships are changing what community conservation can look like.Key TakewaysWhy good data and automatic traps could be a game changer for catchment and community groups trying to control predators over larger areas.How habitat restoration, native plant production and community relationships all work together to create lasting environmental outcomes.Why working alongside farmers, catchment groups and local communities is essential for connecting conservation efforts across the landscape. David shares his experience of building practical conservation solutions in Bluff, including the trust’s native plant nursery, its network of more than 120 connected traps, and why protecting the Awarua Waituna Wetland is one of the team’s big ambitions. If you’re wondering what’s possible when a community sticks with a conservation project for the long haul, press play and hear what’s happening on Bluff Hill Motupōhue. #catchmentgroups #thrivingsouthland #communityconservation #predatorcontrolConnect with Bluff Hill Motupōhue Environment TrustWebsite: https://www.motupohue.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BHMET YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BHMET Email: [email protected]   Connect with us at Thriving SouthlandWebsite: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw  Email: [email protected]

What if the right technology could save you hours, reduce the workload on your team, and help you make better decisions on farm? Host, Sarah Thorne, chats with farmers Nick Wadworth and Craig Steenson about the practical tech they’re using every day to make farming more efficient.From drones, cow collars and automated drafting to farm apps, shared calendars, Starlink, AI and even building their own systems, Nick and Craig share what’s actually working on their farms. They also talk honestly about the challenges of getting staff on board, choosing technology that earns its keep, and why good farming knowledge still needs to come first.Key TakewaysSee how technology can save time, reduce manual work and improve the accuracy of everyday farm decisions.Get practical ideas for introducing new technology and helping your team use it effectively.Learn how to decide whether a new tool is genuinely worth the investment, and where to start if you're ready to try something new. Nick Wadworth and Craig Steenson share their hands-on experience using technology across sheep, beef and dairy farming in Southland.If you’ve been wondering whether a new piece of tech could make life easier on your farm, have a listen and pick up an idea you can put into practice.#TechOnFarm #AgriTech #SouthlandFarming #FarmTechnology #CatchmentConvos #catchmentgroups #southlandfarming #ThrivingSouthland Connect with us at Thriving SouthlandWebsite: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw Email: [email protected]

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 TakeawaysWhy 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 SouthlandWebsite: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw  Email: [email protected]

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 TakewaysHow 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 SouthlandWebsite: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw  Email: [email protected]

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 TakeawaysWhy 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 backClare 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 #ruralleadershipConnect with us at Thriving SouthlandWebsite: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw Email: [email protected]