Background and context
A group of farmers and growers from around Taranaki, together with Venture Taranaki, initiated discussions early in 2020 about the challenges facing the rural sector and the possibility of establishing catchment communities around the region. This group came together as Taranaki Catchment Communities (TCC) with the aim to lead, engage and mobilise Taranaki’s rural sector to ensure a more environmental, economic and socially sustainable future.
Funding from MPI enabled TCC to work with individual catchment groups from around the maunga to identify priorities and actions that would contribute to the sustainability of their communities. At the core of this project is the strength and diversity of the farmer-led TCC, who had already identified the need for change and the desire to create models and learnings that can be shared industry-wide. A farmer-led approach ensures those most impacted by proposed actions are at the forefront of driving their response.
Community involvement
There has been a strong groundswell of support from rural Taranaki communities for the work of TCC. To date:
Approx. 6,000 hours voluntarily committed to support this work
500+ farmers attended community meetings
Over 60 events facilitated
15 catchment groups formed + one region-wide working group
Developed relationships with community groups, local authorities, industry bodies and local iwi.
Welcome from the Chair
I am Donna Cram, a dairy farmer, Dairy Environment Leader (DEL), member of the DEL national advisory, (a DairyNZ lead initiative) and a Taranaki Federated
Farmers Dairy committee member. My why is to connect people across agricultural communities using values-based communication to empower positive and meaningful change. Alongside my husband, Philip, we see ourselves as guardians of our Dairy Farm, Wylam Dene. We also understand that we are interdependent with our community and the agricultural sector.
Taranaki Catchment Communities was a vision born from listening to challenges within our own region through Dairy Environment Leaders. It was also a response to new incoming regulations relating to fresh water and greenhouse gases. Many consider these regulations a threat, however, I believe that we can farm in harmony with the environment.
Taranaki is a region with true natural advantage through our climate and soils. It is also a region full of passionate, dedicated farmers and growers who are committed to improve. This has already been exemplified through the time and money that has been invested into transforming and protecting our waterways as part of the largest restorative freshwater programme in the world. But this is just the beginning. Our farmers and growers need the knowledge and continued support to understand our impact on the environment and to ensure the sustainability of our farming sector and communities for generations to come.
We have a great story to tell and believe that with the right support and knowledge we can enhance the amazing work already happening in rural communities throughout Taranaki.
Donna Cram
Chairperson, Taranaki Catchment Communities
VALUES
Values of TCC Members we;
- Are inclusive
- Seek diversity
- Have Integrity
- Are Committed to the groups’ purposes
- Seek to understand and hear others viewpoints
- Strive for continuous Improvement
- Look for Innovation
- Foster a learning culture
PRINCIPLES
The Principles of the TCC Incorporated Society aim to ensure;
- We are farmer led and farmer driven
- Local people will be engaged where they best meet the need of the group
- Overheads are minimised to ensure funding focuses on groups goals
- Stakeholders are engaged to be part of the journey and wider TCC team
- Volunteer time is valued and appreciated
- We review, analyse and plan often
OBJECTIVES
Objectives: The TCC Incorporated
Society will;
- Support our catchment groups
- Be at the forefront of what is going on
- Be visionary, with insight and foresight
- Actively identify and collaborate with stakeholders
- Advocate on behalf of catchment groups
- Be a conduit to relevant knowledge expertise and innovative solutions
