Working together for better water

The Pahau Drain Catchment Group is a group of farmers from across the Amuri Basin between the Waiau and Hurunui Rivers in North Canterbury, who are working together to improve irrigation efficiency, nutrient management and biodiversity through riparian planting.

Their objective is to provide information and data, which will empower farmers to make better decisions, and which will improve water quality.

Craigmore’s business managers on Caithness, Darnley, Landsend and Riverend properties in Culverden are actively engaged in this project to learn and share with neighbouring farmers.

Since the group first met in July 2023 it has held a series of workshops and forums on topics ranging from the use of moisture meters and water scheduling through to investigating the impact of reduced stocking rates on nutrient loss and establishing monitoring sites for future studies.

Further work will take place over the year to deepen understanding of the opportunities for biodiversity enhancement through riparian planting. Areas of focus will include establishing nutrient metrics from Fonterra’s benchmarking project, understanding soil fertility and identifying sources of funding for plants.