Kia ora,
Welcome to our spring newsletter! This edition is all about building momentum. You’ll find updates on the first steps of our new project ‘Our Taranaki, Our Future’, a closer look at the new Good Farm Biodiversity Module, and a farmer’s perspective on investing in biodiversity for the long term. We’re also highlighting upcoming workshops, and new farm health and safety training opportunities.
Thank you for your support and involvement.
Happy reading, Paul Turner – TCC Project Manager
Laying the Groundwork
Since sharing our vision in the winter newsletter a couple of months ago, TCC has been moving into action. The first steps of our new phase are underway, laying the groundwork for the bigger goals ahead.
We’ve already begun delivering the final LiDAR presentations to remaining catchments, helping communities understand the mapping tools available.
We've been working with Wild for Taranaki and Te Kaahui o Rauru to shape and schedule the Wai Connection webinar series 'Waipara – Understanding and Solving Sediment Issues in Taranaki'. This webinar series brings together a range of Taranaki voices from across the environmental sector, including kaupapa Māori specialists, regional scientists, and land management experts. Click here for more info.
Fish barrier training is almost complete, and we’re currently in the process of identifying initial sites for removal.
Our team is completing the latest round of water quality monitoring and analysis.
We’ve also been documenting methodologies to start creating practical replication guides.
These steps mark the shift from planning to doing, with our long-term priorities still front of mind: supporting other regions to adopt the TCC model, developing training for catchment coordinators, launching an online portal for LiDAR and monitoring tools, and strengthening partnerships with iwi, researchers, and industry.
With $640,000 secured from the Toi Foundation for our exciting new project ‘Our Taranaki, Our Future’, we’re in a strong position to extend LiDAR mapping, grow water monitoring, expand wetland restoration, and continue our work on fish passage, drains, and effluent management.
It’s early days, but the journey has begun. We’re excited to walk alongside more communities to protect and improve freshwater across Taranaki.
Follow us on Facebook to stay connected.
Good Farm: Protecting and Enhancing Biodiversity
Taranaki farmers now have another practical tool to support sustainable farming, with the launch of the new Good Farm Biodiversity Module.
This resource is designed to help farmers protect and enhance native biodiversity on their properties. Whether you’re just starting out or already taking action, the module guides you through creating a living plan that benefits both your farm and the wider environment. It’s practical, easy to follow, and tailored to real on-farm conditions.
You can check it out at goodfarm.nz/resources/biodiversity and start building a plan you’ll be proud of.
The Biodiversity Module is just one of many tools on the Good Farm website designed to make farm planning easier. Other popular modules include Effective Waste Management, Animal Welfare, and Biosecurity. Each one is built to provide practical, farm-focused steps you can adapt to your own situation.
To explore the full range of free templates and guides, visit goodfarm.nz/templates — and see how Good Farm can help you simplify planning while making a real difference on your farm.
And if you’re on Facebook, come join us there too. Follow @goodfarmnz to stay in the loop with new resources, success stories and local events.
Biodiversity in Action: Damian Roper’s Story
Speaking of biodiversity, South Taranaki farmer Damian Roper is putting it into practice and investing for the long haul.
“Generational stewardship is important for farmers, as caretakers of the land, to provide a better environment for future generations,” Damian says.
For him, healthy biodiversity means healthy ecosystems, and that leads to sustainable land use for years to come.
The new Good Farm Biodiversity Module can help you do the same, with practical steps to protect and enhance native biodiversity on your farm, whether you’re just starting out or building on what you already do.
Get the FACCTs
FACCT (Farming and Compliance Confidence Taranaki) is a series of workshops to help you build knowledge, improve confidence, and protect your farm’s future. Have you signed up yet?
Why FACCT?
The FACCT workshops give farmers the knowledge and confidence to understand the science behind their land, water and greenhouse gases. With growing regulatory pressures and changing weather patterns, knowing the facts is key for protecting productivity and profitability.
Delivered by local farmer Campbell McCowan (PLANit Farming), FACCT is practical, independent, and tailored to Taranaki conditions. No jargon, no sales pitch, just science-based insights you can use on-farm.
What to Expect
Free to attend 10 x 2-hour lunchtime workshops across several months.
Independent and local: frank, factual conversations led by someone who farms here too.
Come as you are: farm clothes welcome, no corporate vibe.
Access to Good Farm resources to keep building your knowledge.
Keen to Join?
Email hello@taranakicc.nz or visit taranakicc.nz/facct to stay ahead of the curve.
For more events, stay updated at taranakicc.nz/events.
FACCT 2
Following the success of FACCT 1, we’ve rolled out FACCT 2, a follow-on series designed for those who attended the first round.
These sessions dive deeper into:
Interpreting your land’s features using mapping tools
Supporting smarter, more informed farm planning
Improving environmental outcomes and confidence with compliance
Again, led by local farmer Campbell McCowan, FACCT 2 is a closed workshop series, focused on turning insights into action. Lunch is provided.
Venue: Waitoitoi Hall, 19 Pukearuhe Road
These workshops are a great way to build skills, confidence, and community connection, so don’t miss out.
There’s plenty happening across our catchments this month and beyond. Check full details at at taranakicc.nz/events.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing for Safe Farms and Strong Teams
A healthy farm starts with a healthy team. That’s why Practical Compliance and Full Potential, supported by Taranaki Catchment Communities, are running free, comprehensive Farm Health and Safety workshops this November.
Designed by health and safety experts with hands-on farming experience, these workshops will help you improve safety and wellbeing on-farm, now and for the future. You’ll leave with a tailored Health and Safety profile for your farm, plus a practical plan covering key areas.
What you’ll gain:
Clear, common-sense strategies that meet regulatory requirements without the headaches.
A practical measurement tool to assess where your farm is on its health and safety journey.
Free, easy-to-use resources including hazard management templates, contractor management guides, and Worksafe tools.
Action plans for managing hazards, running effective meetings, and learning from incidents.
Insights into four different health and safety approaches, their risks, and their opportunities.
Confidence to keep your team safe, supported, and engaged.
Ongoing support, including a free follow-up phone session.
Workshops are also a great chance to connect with other farmers, share experiences, and learn from each other.
When: Thursday 13 November, 10am–2.30pm
Where: TET MultiSports Centre, Stratford (62 Portia Street)
RSVP for catering: tessa@taranakicc.nz
Lunch provided. Spaces limited to 14 farms – registration essential.
