Community United for Planting Historic Wetland and Wellbeing in Darfield

The Upper Waikirikiri Catchment Collective (UWCC) is proud to have brought together

students from Darfield High School and local farmers for a special Wetland Planting and

Wellbeing Day at with Phil Deans on his farm near Darfield. Phil is the proud custodian of

one of the few remaining wetlands on the Canterbury Plains and he and his family have

spent decades preserving and caring for the impressive wetland area.

The event saw community members of all ages planting native trees and learning about the

importance of wetlands for biodiversity and water quality. The day began with a welcome

and some place-based history, followed by a planting session and shared lunch. Local

wellbeing speaker Molly Macpherson spoke about the connection between movement,

mental health, and nature, inspiring attendees to move and reflect on their own

relationships with te taiao (the natural world).

This event formed part of the Junior Landcare programme, supported by the Bupa

Foundation in partnership with the NZ Landcare Trust (NZLT) and The Upper Waikirikiri

Catchment Collective (UWCC). The collaboration champions both nature regeneration and

mental well-being, bringing together communities through hands-on environmental action.

“It was inspiring to see young people and volunteers working side by side,” said NZLT

Canterbury Coordinator Bill. “These intergenerational experiences create deep connections,

not only to each other but to the land itself.”

Feedback from students was that they liked hearing about the history of the farm, learning

about the plants and getting out of the classroom.

Junior Landcare has introduced a series of ten legacy projects across Aotearoa, each

designed to connect people of all ages with te taiao through meaningful, educational

experiences. These projects include native tree planting, ecological monitoring, wetland

restoration, and pest control, all with an emphasis on nurturing both environmental and

personal wellbeing.

Locally, the Upper Waikirikiri Catchment Collective has led biodiversity planting efforts along

the Selwyn River for several years, with strong community backing. Thousands of native

trees have been planted across two stages, supported by the local Water Zone Committee.

All labour has been voluntary and clearing and site maintenance have been carried out by

the Selwyn District Council.

“Our goal has always been to support farmers and communities in our area with developing

a sustainable future for agriculture and community wellbeing in our region,” said Rick

Johnson. Rick is the new Catchment Group Chair following Lydia Gliddon’s resignation last

month. Lydia remains on the UWCC Steering Group. “Events like this are key in our

communities.”

Media release - 13 October 2025