Drones, tractors, electric utes, and other renewable energy solutions are being showcased at a future farming day in the Manuherekia.

Hosted by Waiora Manuherekia and held at Matakanui Station on October 10, farmers have been invited to see the latest technology in action at the Agritech day, offering solutions and tools designed to help landowners adapt, save time, and work smarter.

Waiora Manuherekia chair Anna Gillespie said it was about seeing technology in action, not just talking about it.

“We want local farmers and landowners to have the chance to explore what’s available and think about what might work on their own farms.”

The latest innovation on farms now includes agricultural drones, electric side-by-sides and plug-in hybrid utes.

Experts will also be available to talk about renewable energy solutions, including solar and hydro options.

Anna said other exhibitors included farm management software providers, and the event provided a chance to speak directly with experts driving farming innovation.

Waiora Manuherekia received funding from the Ministry for the Environment to connect the community to the Manuherekia River, including carrying out environmental work to help improve and enhance the water source.

The project was launched in July 2024, and over the past year has achieved significant environmental outcomes including treating over 70ha of weeds; planting more than 15,000 natives on riparian, lake and wetland areas; building or repairing 67ha of fencing; willow removal; and working with 12 landowners to support 14 wetland restorations.

The group held many training sessions for the community as well, such as an upcoming rural waste webinar and lunch (October 8) hosted by New Zealand Landcare Trust and facilitated by WasteMINZ.

Waiora Manuherekia comes under the umbrella of the wider Manuherekia Catchment Group which was established in 2021.

The group’s first exemplar project was the Thomson’s Creek (Orkney) wetland, using $2.9M of Jobs for Nature funding.

More information about community events and initiatives can be found on the Manuherekia Catchment Group website.

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