Meridian Welcomes Draft Decision to Ease Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage Access
Meridian Energy says it welcomes the Fast-Track Panel's draft decision proposing the easing of access restrictions on Lake Pūkaki hydro storage for a three-year period.
The Whole Story Savory Hub is part of a New Zealand project supported by the Regenerative Fund for Nature and the Savory Institute. It aims to accelerate the move to regenerative grazing practices across sheep farms in Otago and Canterbury.
The project aims to support the regeneration of 50,000 hectares, using holistic management practices to improve soil health, biodiversity, water function and climate resilience.
Grazing livestock has long shaped New Zealand’s agricultural identity. But decades of pressure on landscapes have highlighted the need for farming systems that produce food and fibre while actively restoring the ecosystems they rely on.
Measuring Change with EOV
A key part of the project is Ecological Outcome Verification (EOV), a science-based monitoring framework that measures changes in ecosystem health, including soil function, biodiversity and landscape resilience.
Data gathered through EOV will help farmers understand the impact of their management decisions. It will also create a pathway for verified regenerative wool to reach premium global markets through Land to Market, a supply chain initiative linking ecological outcomes with commercial opportunities.
A Conversation About Land, Animals and Profit
Becks Smith, Hub Leader at The Whole Story, says the opportunity goes beyond environmental outcomes.
“Regenerating our high country through holistic management grazing principles creates a conversation between land health, animal health, farmer wellbeing, and long-term profitability,” she says. “By supporting farmers to look deeply at their ecosystems, measure improvement and connect with new markets, we can help create systems where healthy landscapes and thriving communities reinforce each other.”
About the Regenerative Fund for Nature
The Fund was established in 2021 by Conservation International and Kering, and has since grown to include additional fashion industry partners.
Conservation International manages the Fund, working with partners to select and oversee regenerative agriculture projects worldwide.
It supports practices that regenerate ecosystems, empower communities, strengthen economies and help address climate challenges.
How to Join
The project is seeking its final few South Island sheep farmers to join the current cohort. Register an expression of interest at thewholestory.co.nz/soiltowool or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Whole Story Savory Hub will continue working with farmers, industry partners and global networks to grow awareness, capability and market opportunities for regenerative agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand.
