The value of water and the importance of its management was considered at the National Workshop on Community-Led Water Resource Management, held in Ranfurly, Upper Taieri, Central Otago from 18 to 19 March.

The event provided an opportunity for community leaders, policy makers and key water resource stakeholders to not only come together and discuss key elements of today's water management but imagine what is possible tomorrow.

One aim of the event was to gain national cohesion over the important issue of water resource management, clarifying the role of community involvement when setting policies for managing water. The open and honest contributions from key speakers enabled real progress to be made in this area. 

This successful event attracted 55 people, including representatives from 14 community-led water resource management projects spread across the country. National policy makers were present from MAF, MfE and the Land and Water Forum. Regional authorities were also present  along with key stakeholders from the Department of Conservation and Fish and Game New Zealand.

The event was hosted by the Upper Taieri Water Resource Management Group with funding support from the Sustainable Farming Fund. NZ Landcare Trust Project Coordinator Gretchen Robertson organised and coordinated the event. Gretchen said,

"it's a great honor to be approached by SFF and asked to host such an event, it is recognition for all the hard work that has taken place and the leadership role this project now provides."