Southland has over 28 Catchment Groups, forming a network covering over 85% of the Southland region, and this network is expanding rapidly.

Lower Aparima Catchment Group

The group covers Fairfax South to Riverton and all tributaries into the Aparima River.

The Lower Aparima Catchment follows the Lower Aparima River to the Jacobs River Estuary.

The strong rural community encompasses the Riverton township and encourages involvement in the water quality discussion.

Number of members in the CG

99

Date the Catchment Group started

April 2016

Types of people in the group

A diverse group open to the entire community — from deer, beef, sheep and dairy farmers to industry and community members from Riverton township, right through to recreational users of the Aparima River.

Projects completed

Winter crop tours, field days, hearings and submissions to Environment Southland Water and Land Plan.

Projects planned

The Aparima Community Environment (ACE) project.

The aim of this project is to build and support the resilience of the Aparima community and the environment by mobilising farmers, landowners and the wider community to take on-ground action.