Thriving Southland

02/10/2026

Follow along with Catchment Coordinator Stacey as she checks in on some of the Te Tapu o Tāne plants generously gifted to catchment groups last winter. One year on and they're thriving!

02/10/2026

A good chance to step away from the farm, grab some lunch and catch up with other farmers from across the sector.
DairyNZ is hosting a Sector Wide Farmers Community Lunch in Fairfax next Tuesday at 11.30am. Whether you’re dairy, sheep, beef or mixed farming, come along for a relaxed farmer-to-farmer catch-up. No RSVP needed.

30/09/2026

LASERS vs. WEEDS. SEE IT IN ACTION!

What if you could control weeds without chemicals, reduce labour costs, and protect soil health at the same time? Join us for an exclusive visit to So Sweet Vegetables to see their innovative Carbon Robotics G2-200 Laser Weeder operating in the field.

📅 Thursday 15 October 2026
👉 FREE to attend
🚌 Bus departs Invercargill 10.30am, returning by 2pm (pickup at Woodlands)
🚌 Bus departs Gore 10.10am, returning by 2.30pm (pickup at Edendale)
⚠️ Spaces are limited and registrations close 7 October. Access to So Sweet by bus transport only.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience one of New Zealand's most exciting agricultural innovations up close.
BOOK NOW - [email protected] | 021 466 700

29/09/2026

Check out this important wellbeing event being hosted by Otago/Southland Regional Young Farmers, coming up in Te Anau on the 10th October. A good opportunity to get off farm.

Marc spent years hiding how much he was struggling before eventually reaching out for help. He now travels around sharing his story with rural communities and talking openly about mental health and wellbeing.

During the afternoon, Marc will share his own experience of reaching a difficult point, asking for help and the practical things he now does to stay well. He’ll also talk about Farmstrong’s Five Ways to Wellbeing, including simple habits around sleep, exercise, taking breaks, staying connected and looking after yourself when life and farming get busy.

Marc’s approach is relatable, practical and has plenty of humour along the way — it’s not a lecture, just an important conversation that we could probably all benefit from having.

You don’t need to be a Young Farmers member to come along. Bring a mate, partner, family member or workmate and join us for the afternoon. 💚

Following this event will be the Te Anau YF Bark up which will also be held at the rugby club from 5pm, so bring ya dog along and make a day of it! 🐶

Tickets here ……..
https://events.humanitix.com/osyf-wbevent

29/09/2026

We have some great people and organisations in the south supporting our farming community . Thanks to all!

At Rocks Hideaway we understand that it’s rather tough out on farm at the moment with this never ending spring weather so tag a mate needing a brake and we will see if we can make it happen.

Tag a mate or post a photo or your hard luck stories or like and share to go into the draw to win a couple of nights on us.

Check out our listing
https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/1211323248888911564?unique_share_id=53e1ba98-8bb4-4f92-9060-5faa5d216c3d&viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76

29/09/2026

The Board of Thriving Southland is seeking applications for two new members. Could this be you?
Applications close 11 October and election takes place at the AGM on 11 November. Please email your application to [email protected] and visit https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/current-vacancies-board/ for more information.

28/09/2026

🎧 Catchment Convos Ep 21 is live: Bluff Hill Motupōhue Environment Trust (BHMET).

In the latest podcast episode, David Swann from BHMET shares how they are restoring biodiversity through predator control, native planting, technology and strong community partnerships. Listen now and hear the lessons, challenges and future vision behind 18 years of conservation work on Motupōhue.

👉 Listen now!
www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/catchment-convos-podcast/

27/09/2026

Rural Co-ordination Group meets as pressure builds around feed, stock management and pasture damage. Link in comments