Farmer preferences and drivers of decision-making related to water quality actions and land use change in Tukituki

Farmer interviews and survey results indicate that farmers and growers in the Tukituki have demonstrated considerable commitment to enhancing water quality, with significant endeavours in riparian planting and waterway fencing. They are generally open to change regarding ongoing mitigations and land use change, however there are some barriers that farmers indicated require a viable solution before some water quality actions are adopted.

The myriad of factors influencing farmer decision-making became evident, notably the balance of environmental benefit and personal preference as primary motivators for implementing water quality measures. Water availability and economic considerations were identified as important drivers or enablers of land use change, which given the potential need for land use change in the Tukituki catchment over the next two decades highlights the need to factor these into policy direction.

There is also a need to focus on a joined-up approach to water quality actions across the catchment. Farmers are practical and are more likely to adopt a water quality action that has been tried and tested. Consideration should be given to the percieved barriers to implementation for farmers as this will help inform water quality mitigation selection, adoption and policy development.