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Kia Ora and welcome to our
February newsletter.
We wanted to take a moment to share the next steps in a journey that’s been shaped by a great deal of voluntary effort, learning, collaboration, and a few challenges along the way.
FAMA began as an extension of the Upper Tākaka Irrigators group, originally three farms working together during the early phases of the Water Conservation Order process. By pooling resources, accessing legal and technical expertise, and supporting one another through what was, at times, a difficult and uncertain process, it quickly became clear that we were stronger together.
Faced with a complex and unifying challenge around water quality in the Tākaka Valley, 14 farms voluntarily came together, not because it was easy, but because it mattered. We collectively had a vision from the very first days, to support better on-farm practices, improved water quality and sustainable farming practices.
Early support from MPI, along with facilitation to help establish common ground and clear ways of working, provided important structure at a formative stage. Just as importantly, early engagement with Tasman Environmental Trust (TET) proved pivotal. Their professionalism, administrative support and experience in environmental initiatives across the district helped us build capability and secure longer-term MPI funding.
A core part of the early work was building trust within our newly created volunteer group. Detailed LandscapeDNA mapping, supported by Fonterra, gave us a shared, evidence-based understanding of our soils, topography and farm variability. It reinforced that while we operate in the same catchment, our farms face very different risks, challenges and opportunities.
From there, we engaged independent expertise to analyse nutrient and farm systems data. Field days and workshops have covered a wide range of topics, including farm systems, irrigation, cropping, wetland planting, nutrient loss and pasture management. Over time, this has helped foster a culture focused on continual improvement and on refining what precision farming means in a catchment as variable as ours, shaped by different landscapes, weather patterns and people.
Through this work, FAMA has developed a strong sense of solidarity and trust. Having now gathered a substantial body of data and undertaken a diverse range of practical actions, we’re in a position to share our story more openly and to acknowledge the many organisations and individuals who have supported and encouraged us along the way.
As part of this, we’re launching our brand-new FAMA website www.fama.org.nz. The site is intended to share information, grounded in factual, honest content. It shares the story of FAMA, who we are, why we care, the work we’ve been doing and what we plan to do next. Our 2026 submission to the RMA Reform is available here, so our wider community can clearly see how the farmers on their doorstep are environmentalists, caring deeply for the land and waters of our beautiful region.
We see this as another step in being transparent about the journey we’re on, and we’re grateful for the working relationships, shared values and constructive engagement that have helped shape it.
Thank you for your support.
Ngā mihi,
FAMA