What we do

Landconnect is engaged by large and small organisations on rural sector projects. We are valued for our diverse skill set and expertise in nutrient management, whether it be working alongside farmers, rural professionals, scientists or government agencies.

Farming under regulations is a significant issue facing farmers in New Zealand. Developing science based policy and rules cannot be done effectively without meaningful input from farmers and the wider community. Landconnect also provides farmer-centric communications and engagement solutions. Take a look at some of our recent work.

  • Advice to Kahui Wai Maori to inform the national ‘Action for Healthy Waterways’ programme (2019)
  • Peer review of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment report considering Overseer’s use for regulation (2018)
  • Co-ordination of the Lake Rotorua Science Review (2017-18).  Read the summery report here.
  • Expert witness at the PC10 Public Hearings on the use of Overseer in nutrient rules (2017)
  • Nutrient Management Adviser Certification (NMACP); Including  document review, adviser feedback surveys and workshop facilitation (2017)
  • Advising on nitrogen allocation policy including presenting options to Lake Rotorua catchment stakeholders (e.g. March 2015) and reviewing documents on draft rules, fact sheets, economic impact analyses and incentives scheme criteria
  • Supporting the multi-agency collaboration on developing guidance for regional councils on the appropriate use of the OVERSEER® Nutrient Budget Model, including writing the initial project Business Case
  • Developing core elements of the 2013 Lake Rotorua ‘Integrated Framework’ which underpins how nitrogen reductions are shared between different farming sectors and public funders
  • Advice on how to use OVERSEER in new Lake Rotorua nitrogen rules (2014 report)
  • Co-author of “Regional council functions in a Wairarapa unitary authority” (2014 report)
  • Advising on BOPRC’s nutrient benchmarking processes (2006-2010, see FLRC paper)
  • Consents processing for Tauranga City Council, including drafting decisions on behalf of Hearings Panels and giving Environment Court planning evidence (2004-06)
  • Co-author of the Dairying and Clean Streams Accord ( 2002)
  • Leading the Government Lake Taupo water quality policy response and writing two Cabinet papers that secured funding to buy nitrogen from Taupo farmers (2001-03)
  • Processing land use resource consents for BOPRC (1996-1999).
  • Sub-contractor to The Catalyst Group, researching the efficacy of B+LNZ Land and Environment Plans (LEPS) (2018)
  • Nutrient Management Adviser Certification  Programme (NMACP) programme review – online surveys and stakeholder workshop to assess the quality of the current programme and to provide insight into future development (2017)
  • Land use mapping of the for the Lake Rotorua Catchment (data analysis and reporting)
  • Overview of the Small Block sector in the Lake Rotorua Catchment
  • Lead report writer and coordinator for the Sustainable Farming Fund Project “Meeting nutrient loss targets on dairy farms in the Lake Rotorua catchment” (2011-2015, final report), plus related papers and presentations to Fertiliser and Lime Research Centre workshops (2012, 2014 and 2015)
  • Co-writing Ballance’s successful Primary Growth Partnership application (2011, see link)
  • Coordinating nitrogen loss inputs and future land use scenarios for the Lake Rotorua “ROTAN” modelling project (2009-2011)
  • MSc 1st Class Honours in Earth Sciences – thesis titled ‘Nitrate leaching under cow urine patches on two Waikato soils’ was awarded Sir Theodore Rigg prize for best soils Masters thesis submitted in 1996.

Landconnect brings 19 years’ experience working in the fields of marketing, research and communications in the local government, rural, tertiary education and tourism sectors.  Maggie’s experience includes:

  • Creation of style guides and templates for new ag-business branding (2020)
  • Lifestyle Block Good Nutrient Management Practices handbook (2018)
  • Good Management Practice video series showcasing Rotorua farmers who have introduced good management practices or ‘GMPs’. Each of these videos is accompanied with key information farmers need to consider before adopting a new GMP. Watch the videos here.  (2017)
  • Development and ongoing content management of the Lake Rotorua Primary Producers website and monthly e-newsletter  (2014 – current)
  • Development of the Waikato Primary Land Users Group (PLUG) website www.plug4growth.co.nz  (2016 & 2018)
  • Marketing and Communications Manager at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic where she was responsible for corporate brand, marketing and communications (2008-2014)
  • Senior Marketing Research Advisor at Tourism New Zealand working on marketing assignments to inform the 100% Pure New Zealand campaign (1999-2005)
  • Contract marketing research for clients including, Toyota, Tourism Bay of Plenty, Magic Netball Team, Trustpower, NZ Fire Service and various local government assignments
  • Development of our website www.landconnect.co.nz

 

  • Co-ordination of the Tarawera Farm Plan initiative with Project Rerewhakaaitu Farmer Group. Assisting the development of voluntary FEPs for the inner and outer Tarawera lakes catchments (2017- 2019). Project report is published here
  • Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) contracted Aqualinc Research Ltd to assess regional freshwater-related opportunities and barriers to economic growth. Landconnect (as sub-contractor) facilitated four sub-regional workshops to get input from landowners, Māori interests, local industries and communities with an interest in freshwater use and management (2018)
  •  Facilitation of the Upper Ngongotaha sub-catchment group, concerned about flooding and damage from Ngongotaha Stream in storm events (2016)
  • Supporting the Land Technical Advisory Group, including drafting its Terms of Reference and agendas (e.g. Feb 2016)
  • Support person for the Lake Rotorua Primary Producers Collective to help farmers engage with farm nutrient policy development (2012-2015)
  • Facilitation and drafting of the Lake Rotorua Primary Producers Collective Strategic Plan
  • Secretariat for the Lake Rotorua Stakeholder Advisory Group (2012-2015, see link)
  • Liaising with Fonterra and councils to draft the Dairying and Clean Streams Accord (2003)