This is the place for everything rural. The Land and Water Team, through their Catchment Advisors Brigid Graney, Kat Bunting, and Helen Forsey, and Catchment Enhancement Officer Heath Melville, will keep you up-to-date with news and events.
Here, you will find information on some of the main issues you may need to know about and where you can get further support and advice. You can contact the team directly at [email protected].
Each Catchment Advisor plays a key role in supporting catchment-wide outcomes outlined in the Essential Freshwater Package, promoting good land management practices by offering information, guidance, and advice on land-based mitigation options to minimise nutrient and sediment loss. The team works closely with rural landowners, farmer-led catchment groups, farming industries, and rural networks—such as NZ Landcare Trust, sector representatives, and grower groups—to address local priorities, promote sustainable practices, and enhance catchments through tailored support. They provide practical advice and resources and act as a conduit to the various Council departments. They are also working hard to prepare the Council for implementing the Freshwater Farm Plan Regulations by establishing the necessary internal processes before their introduction in Tasman.
Heath, our Catchment Enhancement Officer, develops and implements restoration plans to enhance and improve degraded waterways. This includes creating and managing catchment restoration projects, providing technical advice to landowners on enhancement methods, and helping them implement sustainable practices to improve waterway health.
Brigid Graney - Senior Catchment Advisor - Waimea & BullerBrigid has lived in the Tasman District for 4 years, attracted by its diverse, productive land uses and proximity to mountains, rivers, and the coast. She was raised on her family's sheep and beef farm in the King Country and Northland, where the family continued to farm. Brigid brings a broad spectrum of work and life experience to her role and has intentionally transitioned her career to support and advocate for the rural sector. With oversight of the Waimea catchment, Brigid is conversant in all nitrogen-related matters and holds an Advanced Sustainable Nutrient Management certificate from Massey University.
Kat Bunting - Catchment Advisor – Mohua Golden BayA local of Mohua/Golden Bay, Kat has over 20 years of experience working with Tasman’s dairy farmers, guiding them through changing regulations and on-farm management practices, including the many iterations of the Clean Stream Accord. She has practical expertise in Farm Dairy Effluent systems and nutrient and riparian management, backed by Massey University qualifications in Effluent System Design and Management, Edge-of-field Water Quality Mitigation Technologies, Advanced Sustainable Nutrient Management, and Freshwater Farm Planning.
Outside of work, Kat is an avid trail runner and tramper and has completed the Te Araroa. She enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring the region’s tracks and landscapes.
Helen Forsey - Catchment Advisor – Motueka/Moutere Born and raised in Motueka. Before joining TDC in early 2023, Helen managed an environmental education charity (Tasman Bay Guardians), co-managed a business developed from scratch and worked for DOC as the community ranger. Helen was well connected to the many environmental and community groups before joining TDC in early 2023 and continues to be actively involved. With an Environmental Science Major and a Post-graduate paper in Nutrient Management, she has a strong passion for water quality, nutrient management, biodiversity, and community engagement. Helen is currently restoring a 2.5-hectare ex-forestry block of her own so she can commiserate with those also battling weeds and dry weather.
Heath Melville – Catchment Enhancement Officer Originally from Kaikōura, Heath joined the Tasman District in May 2024 and is eager to connect with the local community. With five years of experience as a biodiversity advisor at Environment Canterbury, he worked on protecting wetlands, spring-fed streams, and braided rivers. His background includes roles in biosecurity, forestry, and landscape architecture. Heath was part of the team focused on land management improvements in post-earthquake Kaikōura, particularly helping farmers adapt to wetter conditions after the 2016 earthquake.
He is developing expertise in freshwater ecosystems, fish passage, weed management, botany, predator control, and coastal/river bird conservation. Heath works closely with landowners to enhance wetland, riparian, and aquatic habitats, and using these and other measures to reduce contaminant loss to freshwater.
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