Hurunui District Landcare Group

2025 Canterbury Catchment Group Showcase: Hurunui District Landcare Group

A powerful force of more than 300 North Canterbury farmers is demonstrating the power of collaboration when it comes to protecting the environment and ensuring long-term sustainability.   

Established in 2016, Hurunui District Landcare Group (HDLG) has grown from small beginnings into today’s thriving organisation. It actively supports its members to navigate the complexities of modern farming while safeguarding the district’s precious resources.   

Their overarching goal is to support and empower members to farm in a way that is appreciated and understood by the wider community. This includes providing the tools and knowledge needed to protect and enhance their land, water, and biodiversity.   

In partnership with Environment Canterbury, the group spearheaded the region’s first Hill Country Erosion programme (SCAR) in decades – resulting in the stabilisation of hundreds of hectares of erosion-prone land.   

Through a successful One Billion Trees project, the group facilitated the planting of more than 65ha of native forest and 15.5ha of riparian planting across member farms. This has contributed significantly to the region’s biodiversity.  

The group is currently running a two-year project funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries that aims to provide environmental management guidance and resources to group members and the wider Hurunui farming community. It supports the development of Farm Environment Plans, nutrient budgets and winter grazing plans plus assists with farm mapping and audits.  

HDLG is also focused on helping other sub-group with funding, facilitation and project management. The sub-groups largely focus on weed and pest control, water quality, environmental enhancement and compliance.   

Beyond environmental stewardship, HDLG actively advocates for the interests of its members. They have successfully lobbied for policy changes that support sustainable farming practices and work to ensure that regulations are practical and equitable for farmers.  

This group serves as a shining example of how farmers can unite to address environmental challenges, protect their livelihoods, and create a thriving future for the region.