Over two decades of commitment to farm environment improvements has earned Bay of Plenty twin brothers Rick and John Burke the inaugural Cawthron National Freshwater Champions award.
The brothers decided to act on the family’s Katikati drystock farm almost 25 years ago, after learning the property was one of the most environmentally degraded in western Bay of Plenty.
It was discharging record levels of sediment into Tauranga harbour, and because it accounted for a quarter of the small catchment it was having a disproportionate affect on the entire district’s environmental quality.
The award recognises their efforts since, awarding them the individual-family award for their efforts including wetland development, fenced waterways, land retirement and reticulated water systems to exclude stock from waterways.
For the Burkes, the award is a double header, with nearby Project Parore picking up the champion award for the Established Catchment award. This project’s proven history of improvement and results started as a result of the Burkes’ initial work in their Te Mania catchment.
The brothers continue to host field days on the family farm near Katikati, but John said they have finished much of the heavy lifting on the 300 hectare property and are now spending more time mentoring and helping others along their sustainability journey.
“But as a country we really need to have a more unified vision for land use in New Zealand. This requires a pan-sector approach,” he said.
He also appreciates he has been luckier than most, having his brother managing the farm’s daily operations while he could focus on environmental improvements specifically, something few farmers have the luxury to do.
He has also been instrumental in developing the Tīmata (kickstart) native tree planting programme, attributed with significantly lowering the cost of establishing native forest blocks on farms.
However, he is adamant the country also needs more focus on weed control post planting, claiming regional and district councils have dropped the ball when it comes to effectively managing weed populations.
The Burkes were among an assortment of award recipients at the event that has been remodelled from the original NZ Rivers Awards.
Other award recipients included Professor Huhana Smith of Horowhenua, recognised as Te Ao Māori Freshwater Champion for integrating her artistic, academic and landowning skills into helping improve freshwater in the Horowhenua district.
The Moutere Catchment Group was awarded a champions award for its early impact. Up and running for only five years, the group has more than 200 members and has planted half a million native trees and built two wetlands.
Independent freshwater educator Mel McColgan was recognised for her efforts in engaging with schools and communities across the Tasman district.
Both Burke brothers have also been actively involved in establishing the nearby Wai Kōkopu Catchment group near Te Puke. As with their own property, this group focuses upon the heavily degraded water systems feeding into the Waihi Estuary with John Burke one of the group’s “lighthouse” farmer leaders.
Group technical adviser and freshwater campaigner Alison Dewes said the Burke brothers had been pioneers in the early days with the efforts they had made on their own farm.
“What they have achieved in the last 20-plus years highlights what most other farmers have to achieve in the next five to seven if we are to address our environmental challenges.
“We are fortunate to have them. They have been the petri dish, and have not been afraid to talk about what works and what their mistakes have been.”
She said having catchment groups acting as a church for like-minded farmers to gather around has also proven hugely valuable in order to provide a safe, confident venue for exchanging knowledge.
