We’re excited to invite catchment group leaders and members to our Wairarapa Catchment Collective Wānanga!

The Wānanga is an opportunity for anyone involved or interested in catchment groups across Wairarapa to come together, learn, share, and connect. Expect insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and practical tools to strengthen your mahi. We’ve also got an exciting workshop lined up on how to engage your community, with a special guest facilitator - Sam the Trap Man.

Sam is an accomplished author, reluctant social media influencer, a friendly bushman and an East Coast Catchment Coordinator. Having supported his region to establish fledgling catchment groups, grow meaningful engagement and secure millions of dollars worth of funding for farmer led projects Sam has had a busy couple of years. Pile on a cyclone or two, the recovery efforts associated with these and the value of catchment groups has never been so clear. But it's not been easy going getting buy in to the concept of catchment groups. From navigating multigenerational politics, realising the value of storytelling and letting the work achieved through large landscape funding speak for itself, generating engagement in catchment groups is ongoing work. But with an open mind and a set of tools Sam is happy to share with us, the catchment group space is looking bright. The landscape resilience, community cohesion and figuring out the financial means to do the work that benefits everyone are what gets Sam up in the morning. We look forward to what is sure to be an insightful workshop and one not to be missed.

You'll also have the opportunity to provide feedback and contribute to our strategic plan as we work towards a shared vision: thriving, resilient catchment communities leading the way in sustainable environmental outcomes.

At the heart of the Wairarapa Catchment Collective is a commitment to connecting communities with essential services, expert advice, and funding, all in support of enhancing environmental and economic sustainability.

Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any pātai.

Ngā mihi nui,
Maddy Glover

Catchment Restoration and Science Coordinator - Wairarapa

M 027 937 8359 E maddy.glover@mtsw.org.nz