What is a Resource Management Coordination community group?

Usually they are a community-based group linking farming with resource management. Simply put, Local people dealing with local issues.

Who belongs to these groups?

Anyone who has an interest in the environment and wants to make a change or learn about techniques employed by other groups.

Examples are:

• Farmers with similar land types
• Farmers with similar farming systems
• Communities along streams and rivers
• Landowners in an area affected by animal or plant pests

What does a group do?

There is no model or recipe to follow. Topics are whatever is important and interesting to the group. They are often related to farming successfully while protecting the environment or a group wanting to improve Canterbury water systems.

Examples are:

• Performance monitoring to improve profitability
• Crop residue management
• Disposal of surplus chemicals and containers
• Planting slip-prone areas
• Farm forestry
• Improving soil structure and crop yields
• Controlling weeds and pests
• Restoring and protecting native vegetation

How big should a group be?

• It doesn't matter.
• Groups can be as small as 6 to 8 - or as many as 80 families.

How is a group formed?

Initially, those who have raised an issue and who are wanting to take action to resolve it will meet, usually with a facilitator. They then convene a meeting or a field day to invite and involve all potential members. From this initial expression of interest the following is established;

Foundation meeting
If the community decides to start a group, a committee is formed, and a process organised to identify the topics. Suitable action groups and a programme can then be decided on.

Group structure
Most groups have a management committee of six to eight people Action groups dealing with specific topics are made up of those who want to be involved. This means jobs get done quickly with a minimum of meetings.

What is the benefit of belonging to a group?

• Involvement in interesting topics that will benefit you.
• Access to expertise on a range of subjects from scientists and technical specialists.
• Contact with people with different ideas, knowledge and experience.
• Chance to learn about different things, or see familiar topics in a new way.
• Opportunity to find out what sustainability is all about.
• Forum for discussion with district and regional councils, and policy matters.

So what's the key to the success of a group?

• Make sure everyone contributes top the discussion.
• Investigate topics you are interested in, and that will be of benefit to you.
• Choose topics and actions that will have a quick and worthwhile result.
• Make full use of member's expertise.
• Involve families.
• Have a wide range of interests involved in the group.

Why Environment Canterbury wants to help

• The role of Environment Canterbury is to promote sustainable management of land, water, soil and air.
• Working in partnership with the community and assisting and encouraging community groups is a positive way of achieving this.

What will Environment Canterbury do to help?

Assist interested and enthusiastic community members to:

• Form groups.
• Set clear aims, and a programme to achieve them.
• Organise and facilitate field days, tours, workshops and seminars.
• Prepare written material, e.g. newsletters and fact sheets.
• Access scientific and technical information.
• Implement monitoring programmes.
• Provide points of contact with other sections of Environment Canterbury.
• Provide points of contact with other similar community and industry groups .

Interested in finding out more?

We have team members based throughout Canterbury and a Coordinator can be contacted through our customer services on (03) 353-9007 in Christchurch or (03) 687-7800 in Timaru or toll free on 0800 324 636 (0800 EC INFO) during business hrs or via email at ecinfo@ecan.govt.nz