Stronger Together: How the Upper Clutha Rural Strategy Supports Farmers and Aligns with National Priorities
The Upper Clutha Rural Strategy 2030 marks a major step forward for our rural communities. Developed collaboratively by farmers across the Upper Clutha and supported by WAI Wānaka through MPI funding, the strategy sets a clear direction for strengthening rural businesses, enhancing environmental stewardship, and building resilient catchment groups.
At its heart, the strategy reflects what farmers have been telling us for years: profitable, well supported rural businesses are essential for caring for the land, supporting communities, and ensuring a sustainable future.
Strategy Development
With funding from MPI, and guided by external strategist and independent consultant Molly Kennedy, the Upper Clutha Rural Strategy was developed through a thorough and inclusive data‑gathering process that captured insights from farmers, key stakeholders, and the wider rural catchment community.
The process included:
- Interviews: farmers, industry professionals, catchment leads, WAI Wānaka staff, and Trustees
- Surveys: Otago Catchment Community 2024 Member Survey and WAI Wānaka – KIATT CINTA Landowner Survey
- Catchment Plans: Lake Hāwea Catchment Action Plan and Upper Lakes Integrated Catchment Action Plan
- Review of Reports: Project documentation, strategic papers, and wider sector background materials
A key milestone was the farmer workshop attended by 14 farmers representing five catchments.
Why MPI Funding Matters
MPI’s investment has enabled WAI Wānaka and local catchment groups to bring farmers together, identify shared challenges, and codesign practical solutions. This support has allowed the region to develop a strategy that is grounded in local realities while aligning with national priorities.
MPI’s Strategic Intentions 2024–2028 emphasise:
- Growing a high value, trusted food and fibre sector
- Strengthening environmental performance
- Building resilience to climate and biosecurity risks
- Supporting regional development and strong rural communities
The Upper Clutha Rural Strategy directly contributes to these goals by empowering farmers with data, knowledge, and collective action.
What the Strategy Delivers for Farmers
The strategy focuses on five core objectives that reflect both farmer priorities and MPI’s national direction:
1. Profitable Rural Businesses
Farmers want to move from survival mode to growth mode. The strategy supports this through identifying the following projects/opportunities:
- Enterprise analysis to identify diversification and valueadd opportunities
- Exploring local processing options, including a feasibility review for a local abattoir
- Strengthening market positioning through better storytelling and provenance branding
These initiatives align with MPI’s focus on boosting economic performance and supporting highvalue food and fibre production.
2. Environmental Stewardship
Farmers are committed to protecting the land and water that sustain their businesses. The strategy supports:
- Data driven decision-making
- Biodiversity enhancement
- Catchment scale collaboration
This directly supports MPI’s goals of improving environmental outcomes and strengthening New Zealand’s reputation for sustainable production.
3. Simple, Streamlined Compliance
Compliance pressures are increasing, and farmers want practical, coordinated solutions. The strategy proposes a Compliance Collective to:
- Reduce duplication
- Share resources
- Provide credible data
- Help farmers meet or exceed regulatory requirements
This aligns with MPI’s commitment to effective, practical regulation and strong assurance systems.
4. Strong Urban–Rural Connections
With a rapidly growing urban population and strong tourism sector, the Upper Clutha is uniquely positioned to bridge the urban–rural divide. Better storytelling and onfarm engagement will:
- Build trust
- Strengthen social licence
- Promote local food and fibre
5. Engaged and Informed Farmers
Farmers value being connected, supported, and informed. Catchment groups—supported by WAI Wānaka—play a critical role in:
- Facilitating peer learning
- Sharing data and insights
- Coordinating action
- Building resilience
This aligns with MPI’s emphasis on strong regional networks and capability building.
Stronger Together: The Role of Catchment Groups
Catchment groups are the backbone of the strategy. They ensure that solutions are:
- Locally led
- Practical
- Grounded in real farm systems
- Supported by trusted relationships
MPI recognises the importance of regional collaboration and grassroots leadership, and the Upper Clutha Rural Strategy is a model of this in action.
Looking Ahead
The strategy outlines a clear timeline from 2025 to 2030, beginning with planning and feasibility work, followed by investment, testing, and delivery. With MPI support and strong farmer leadership, the Upper Clutha is well positioned to build a resilient, profitable, and environmentally responsible rural future.
WAI Wānaka is proud to support this work and to stand alongside farmers as we build a stronger, more connected Upper Clutha—together.
See full strategy deck here.
Learn more about WAI Wānaka’s biodiversity and freshwater monitoring and rural collaboration initiatives.