About Otago Catchment Community (OCC)

Who We Are

OCC serves as the collective voice for Otago’s catchment groups, ensuring they have the resources and structure necessary to address environmental concerns effectively. Led by the needs of our catchment groups, we work to support, connect, and empower local communities to drive positive environmental change.

Our Vision

To create and support an Otago-wide network of catchment groups that are addressing environmental issues now and for generations to come.

Our Objectives

Assisting with the formation and direction setting of all Catchment Groups, enabling them to run independently.

  1. Enabling sustainable funding to support the changing needs of groups.

  2. Facilitating connections between Catchment Groups and linking with Government, Iwi, Regional Authorities, and Stakeholders.

  3. Providing access to experts, information, technology, and education to support environmental and land management initiatives.

Our Story

The concept of Otago Catchment Community (OCC) was developed through a collaboration between Otago’s Catchment Groups and the NZ Landcare Trust.

Recognizing the need for a region-wide support network, initial funding from the Otago Regional Council (ORC) helped lay the foundation for OCC, and by March 2021, OCC became fully operational. Later that year, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) joined as a co-funder, further enabling OCC to provide essential resources and coordination for catchment groups across Otago.

We are grateful for the support of our funders, ORC and MPI, whose contributions have allowed us to continue growing and making a tangible difference in environmental stewardship across the region.

How we work

OCC acts as a hub, providing legal structure and administrative support, while individual catchment groups focus on their locally significant issues. Currently, 26 catchment groups are established across Otago, with more emerging. Many groups are already implementing water quality monitoring, best management practices, and ecosystem enhancement projects. 

We assist with the formation and direction setting of Otago Catchment Groups, enabling them to run independently. We enable sustainable funding to support the changing needs of catchment groups. We help catchment groups effectively share their stories with their communities. We facilitate collaboration between Catchment Groups, Iwi, regional authorities, government, sector groups, and stakeholders.

OCC is committed to expanding this network, fostering knowledge-sharing, and empowering local communities to lead sustainable environmental improvements.

Meet the team

OCC is led by a dedicated Steering Committee, which ensures we stay aligned with the needs of Otago’s Catchment Groups.

 Our operational team is led by our Regional Manager (Craig Simpson) supported by our  Admin (Camille McAtmney) and two Coordinators (Nicole Sutton and Sam Dixon) who work closely with catchment groups across Otago. Together, we provide strategic guidance, funding support, and practical assistance to help catchment groups thrive.

Get involved

Looking to make a difference in your local environment? The best way to get involved is by joining your local catchment group. Visit our Catchment Groups page HERE to find out which group operates in your area. If you need assistance, our coordinators are here to help—reach out to us for guidance and support.