Our recent Catchments Wānanga had a fantastic turnout, with representatives from catchment groups across the region coming together for an afternoon of learning and connecting. Thanks to those who attended, Maddy Glover from Mountains to Sea Wellington for her mahi organising the event, and event funding from Wai Connection and New Zealand Landcare Trust.
The Wānanga began with a lively speed networking session where attendees shared 500-year visions for their catchments, highlighted successful projects, and offered advice for new groups. Participants also provided feedback on the Collective’s draft strategic plan and voted on future wānanga topics.
Sam the Trap Man’s inspiring kōrero
A key highlight was a dynamic presentation by Sam Gibson, aka Sam the Trap Man. Sam, a Catchment Coordinator in Tairāwhiti Gisborne and co-founder of Eastern Whio Link, brought a refreshingly frank, practical perspective on community conservation. His talk, filled with humor and on-the-ground insights, focused on the essentials for building strong, resilient catchment groups.
Sam spoke about how engaging communities for the long haul requires adaptability and creativity. Sam emphasised that having a paid coordinator can make all the difference. This person holds the group’s kaupapa playing a crucial role in hustling for funding (also referred to by Sam as “stacking the bread and getting ahead”), coordinating projects, managing admin tasks, and ensuring that the group’s story reaches a broad audience.
Diversified funding strategies
Funding is always a challenge, especially as it can fluctuate with government changes. Sam advises looking beyond government funding by pulling multiple funding levers and building relationships with local and international businesses who may be interested in supporting catchment projects.
Eastern Whio Link, for example, has successfully attracted funding from international fashion houses and hunting lobby groups that value conservation initiatives.
Storytelling as a catalyst for support
Telling a compelling story is essential for securing funding and attracting supporters. Marketing collateral—such as branded t-shirts—can foster a sense of belonging and identity, helping community members feel connected even if they’re not directly involved in the hands-on work.
Effective engagement also means choosing the right communication tools. Emails are often overlooked at the end of the day, so Sam suggests using social media and video content to reach people where they’re most likely to engage.
Social cohesion and inclusivity in catchment groups
Community-driven conservation efforts are strongest when they’re inclusive. Sam encourages groups to welcome members beyond landowners, such as people who feel connected to special places in the catchment or who live in nearby urban areas. Offering low membership fees, such as a $10 annual subscription, can make the group accessible to a wider audience.
Delivering successful projects for credibility and buy-In
To build credibility and attract further funding, it’s essential to deliver successful projects. Sam emphasised the importance of working with various community stakeholders to design projects that reflect the group’s shared goals. Successful project delivery not only brings in more funding but also builds trust within the community. When differences arise, Sam advised focusing on shared values and reframing goals to build cohesion.
Sam’s insights offer a roadmap for creating an engaged, and resilient catchment group that adapts to challenges and thrives on community involvement. By combining diverse funding streams, effective storytelling, strong relationships, and an inclusive approach, catchment groups can make a lasting impact on their environment and communities.
