Stories about our farmers were told to showcase their stewardship of the hill country.
Farmer stories and case studies
Across New Zealand, hill country farmers are pioneering innovative approaches to managing challenging landscapes — balancing productivity with environmental care and community wellbeing. These stories bring their experiences to life, illustrating how thoughtful land management, adaptation, and collaboration are shaping a resilient rural future.
Our collection highlights:
- Social impacts: How hill country farming supports vibrant rural communities, passing on knowledge and values to future generations.
- Environmental stewardship: Practical examples of protecting soil health, water quality, and native biodiversity while maintaining farm productivity.
- Economic outcomes: Insights into the business decisions and innovations that help hill country farms thrive financially.
Why these stories matter
By sharing real-life examples, we celebrate the successes and lessons learned by farmers, providing inspiration and practical ideas that others can adapt. These narratives connect farmers, researchers, and rural supporters, building a stronger, more informed community around sustainable hill country farming.
Explore the resources
- Telling the stories of our farmers (PDF, 3.4MB)
An introduction to why storytelling matters in highlighting the impact of hill country initiatives. - Stories and articles from Hill Country Futures (PDF, 2,4 MB)
A collection of farmer profiles and feature articles from the Hill Country Futures programme.
Knowledge is key
Tararua farmer Dean Wardle sees “knowledge as key” for hill country farming to flourish into the future. “That and opening our minds a wee bit to change,” he says. “I try to keep an open mind. Things aren’t easy for hill farmers, dealing with issues like drought, but we are making changes on our farm. “While it’s a long-term journey and things won’t get better overnight, we are seeing enough positive signs to stay excited.”
Read Dean's story