Ministry for the Environment to sponsor Ballance Farm Environment Award
The Ministry for the Environment is joining as a national award sponsor in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA from next year).
A new toolkit to help the development of capability and education for catchment leaders and coordinators has been unveiled.
The Catchment Toolkit, a new website, was launched last month as part of NZ Landcare Trust’s ACE programme. The ACE Programme is a NZ Landcare Trust project, funded by the Ministry for the Environment (from the Essential Freshwater Fund) and supported by Fonterra.
“The Catchment Toolkit is a go-to resource hub, designed to empower and educate community-based catchment leaders and coordinators,” explains NZ Landcare Trust chief executive Nick Edgar.
“Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your journey in catchment management, this toolkit provides a wealth of information, knowledge and tools.”
He says the website consolidates a comprehensive online library housing numerous resources and offers a one-stop shop for everything catchment-related.
“This marks a significant stride towards fostering sustainable land management practices and is particularly noteworthy for us at NZ Landcare Trust, given our unwavering dedication to championing clean waterways and sustainable land management practices for the past 26 years.”
Edgar says ACE’s commitment to knowledge dissemination spans three core pillars:
"The Catchment Toolkit is the home of the ACE programme and the portal for its online learning,” Edgar adds.
“We’ve been dedicated to the realisation of the ACE program for the past 15 years. The launch of the ACE Catchment Toolkit is a true testament to our commitment as an organisation to empowering communities.”
Edgar believes the Catchment Toolkit, with a focus on building the capabilities of catchment groups, is set to create a lasting impact on sustainable land management practices and water quality improvements for generations to come.
Registrations of interest for the programme are now open.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.

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