Learn About Our
Catchment Community

Rick Johnson - Springfield (Chairperson) Rick Johnson is a fourth-generation farmer at Mt Torlesse, Springfield, and brings with him a strong legacy of land stewardship and community involvement. His extensive history of governance provides valuable oversight for UWCC in both governance and strategic direction. Rick also offers deep knowledge of compliance and regulation, ensuring the collective is well-prepared to navigate the increasing demands placed on landowners while maintaining a clear vision for the future.

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Lydia Gliddon - Russells Flat

Lydia Gliddon is a founding supporter of the Upper Waikirikiri Catchment Collective. Raised in Selwyn and now residing in the foothills with her family at Russells Flat, Lydia combines lived experience of rural life with strong governance skills. Lydia's experience helped to shape the group’s vision, connect with funders, and ensure the community voice remains central. Lydia is passionate about enhancing biodiversity, improving water quality, and empowering landowners with the tools and knowledge to meet environmental and compliance challenges.

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Ben Stokes - Russells Flat

Ben Stokes lives in Sheffield with his young family and is actively involved in running his family’s sheep and beef operation, Wyndale, at Russells Flat. With a background in building and a busy life balancing farm work and family, Ben brings a strong practical perspective to the UWCC steering group. Representing the younger generation of farmers, he contributes fresh thinking, energy, and a wealth of local connections that help strengthen the collective’s community reach and engagement.
 

Ben Feary - Springfield

Ben Feary joined the UWCC steering group as a nominee at this year’s AGM, and we are excited to welcome his knowledge and passion for biodiversity. Ben has a strong interest in ecological restoration and in reconnecting our communities with their biodiversity values. He also brings a commitment to predator control as a way of protecting and enhancing native species and habitats. His energy and vision will be a valuable addition to the collective as we expand our biodiversity and restoration projects across the Selwyn foothills. 

Hamish Wright - Community

Hamish Wright is a sole trader working locally within the rural community and living near Whitecliffs alongside the Waikirikiri/Selwyn River. Together with his wife Jane, he is raising three free-range boys while balancing work and a love for the outdoors. Hamish is passionate about community engagement, particularly in river restoration and predator-free initiatives, and is also a keen supporter of local cricket. His enthusiasm for both environmental and community projects makes him a strong contributor to UWCC’s vision.

Jodie Gallagher - Community

Jodie Gallagher lives in Whitecliffs with her family, where she is passionate about organic vegetables, supplying fresh, locally grown produce to the community. With a passion for grassroots community enhancement and soil health, Jodie is committed to local food systems that can strengthen both the environment and rural communities. Through her role on the UWCC steering group, she brings a practical focus on healthy soils, biodiversity, and empowering families to take positive action for the catchment.

Ken Wragg - Whitecliffs
Ken Wragg farms with his wife Sue and two of their sons in the Whitecliffs Valley, running sheep and cattle across hill country. Much of their farm includes tussock grassland and remnants of native bush, with three QEII covenants protecting areas of ecological significance. Ken is passionate about supporting farmers to care for shared waterways and safeguard native biodiversity for future generations. His practical farming knowledge and long-term commitment to conservation make him a valuable voice within the UWCC.

Warrick James - Whitecliffs
Warrick James has farmed extensively in the Selwyn foothills, first at Benmore and now at Flagpole, where his children support the family farming operation. With decades of farming knowledge and a wealth of local experience, Warrick brings both practical insight and steady governance to the UWCC steering group. His long-term perspective on land management and community collaboration has made him an invaluable member of the collective.
 

Nicolle Hughes - Wairiri Valley
Nicolle Hughes has lived in the Glentunnel area for nearly 20 years, where she and her husband have raised three children while actively farming. A dedicated advocate for the rural community, Nicolle brings firsthand experience of both the opportunities and challenges of agricultural life. She is passionate about supporting fellow landowners to navigate complex policy and legislation, helping them improve their land and waterways while ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for farming families across the foothills.
 

Graeme Adams - Wairiri Valley

Graeme Adams is a long-term landholder in the Wairiri Valley with a strong interest in building resilience across the catchment. Having seen first-hand the impacts of flooding events on homes, utilities, and infrastructure, Graeme has been particularly concerned about the maintenance of drains and their ability to function as intended. He recognises the importance of balancing environmental values, protecting flora and fauna, while also ensuring practical solutions for landholders and the wider community. His commitment to both environmental stewardship and community resilience brings valuable insight to the UWCC.
 

Charlotte Rietveld - Windwhistle

Charlotte Rietveld is a hill country sheep farmer at the Rakaia Gorge, where she lives with her husband Vince and their three children. As a founding member of UWCC, Charlotte is committed to ensuring that positive environmental gains are achieved in a way that remains practical and workable for rural communities. Her experience as both a farmer and an advocate for balanced solutions brings valuable perspective to the steering group.

Emily Reveley - Windwhistle

Emily Reveley lives at Fighting Hill, Windwhistle with her husband and children, where she is actively involved in the family farming operation. Alongside her on-farm work, Emily balances a range of community roles, bringing a strong commitment to local engagement and support. Her practical, on-the-ground knowledge of farming and rural life is invaluable to the UWCC steering group, ensuring that the realities faced by landowners are always represented in our decision-making.

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Tracey Perkins - Associate

Tracey Perkins is the founder of AgriThrive Ltd. She is the only agricultural facilitator in NZ taking a trauma informed approach with a farmer-to-farmer service. Our purpose at AgriThrive is to create and facilitate brave spaces where we can thrive, develop solutions, strategies, new ideas and more. Tracey has started and supported several catchment groups within the Canterbury region and brings an extensive set of skills and a strong network. She and her partner Jonny are involved in managing five family-owned farms in the Selwyn area.