Engaging with Others to Achieve Meaningful Results for Farmers
Engaging with Leaders & Showcasing Our Work
Meeting with Nicola Grigg – 10 Feb 2025
In early February ESAI caught up with Selwyn MP Nicola Grigg on a range of topics. This included the Government’s direction on local authority water strategies and how a lack of consultation in some districts was leading to public exclusion on a topic that affects all. The Government’s take on actions around Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission pricing and how this was being addressed for farming was also discussed. Essentially GHG targets are being addressed to appease trade partners but the good news is that agriculture is already nearing its targets and no pricing regime is currently understood to be on the horizon. Nicola was impressed with the work continuing to be done by ESAI and the strength of the group in Selwyn.
Environment Canterbury Field Event – 20 Feb 2025
On 20 February 2025 ESAI was asked by ECan’s Implementation Principal and Catchment Group Advisor Phillipa Gardner, to present at a field event to showcase the importance of catchment groups in Canterbury context. This saw approximately 30 guests from ECan’s Water & Land, Biosecurity and Biodiversity Teams, along with representatives from Te Taumutu Rūnanga and ESAI Committee members meet at the Lakeside Soldiers Memorial Hall. The morning delivered a short presentation from ECan’s new Water & Land Team Leader Marcelo Wibmer on the recent restructure of ECan teams and the importance of connecting with catchment groups in achieving the team’s vision – noting that this vision resonating with what we all want to achieve. ESAI then had the opportunity to present the history of the group, what it has been doing in the last five years including the Tinaku and Enhancing Ellesmere Projects and discussing the recent findings of water quality and landscape DNA studies. This was followed by a visit to the nearby plantings and beautification of Harts Creek and the successful plantings along a waterway at the Winchester property.
The opportunity was an excellent way for ESAI to showcase the work it does for farmers, the environment and the wider community. There was much engagement and enthusiasm from both the ESAI Committee members and those attending as to what can be achieved in the non-regulatory context and how environmental monitoring can explain some key environmental phenomena without the need for complex, costly and unreliable modelling. Positivity was the essence of the event and how a strong catchment group can make major headway in a supportive climate.
Working with other groups to achieve meaningful results for farmers and the environment
Along with the Enhancing Ellesmere Project, ESAI will also be actively involved in a number of statutory/regulatory themed initiatives this year. This includes:
• The Selwyn Biodiversity Working Group with Selwyn District Council which is part of the Selwyn Biodiversity Strategy which includes a number of working partners consisting of Environment Canterbury (ECan) and iwi. The inclusion of ESAI and Ellesmere rural community involvement in this group is essential for practical solutions both on and near farms, tying in closely with riparian restoration, risk areas and pest management.
• Liaising with the Selwyn Te Waihora Freshwater Management Unit catchment and scheme groups and iwi to ensure the best and practical outcomes for agriculture and the environment. This includes attending many workshops, sharing ideas and resources with other groups, helping to inform regulatory authorities and creating excellent working relationships. The aim being to help you concentrate on farming while ESAI and other entities focus on trying to maintain a steady regulatory outlook.
• Sharing ESAI’s learnings and insights using its 25 years plus experience in a collective set up with regulatory teams who are gaining a high interest in how they can work with catchment groups and help provide flexible frameworks for farming activities.
• Active involvement in the Selwyn District Council Area Plan development, ECan’s revision of regional policy statements and plans, national actions of interest and liaison with MPs and Ministers.
There is a lot going on of critical importance to Ellesmere and farming and you will once again get great representation through your subscription.
