Our Land and Water National Science Challenge Lifetime Narrative

The Our Land and Water (Toitū te Whenua, Toiora te Wai) National Science Challenge (OLW) has worked towards an agri-food and -fibre system that enhances our environment by creating more diverse land uses that improve the health of land, water and people. Our goal was for all New Zealanders to be proud of our genuinely healthy land and water, and for Aotearoa to be world-renowned for its sustainable food and fibre production.

OLW research has demonstrated there are pathways for Aotearoa to transition to an agricultural system that produces fibre and healthy food in ways that improve freshwater quality and can be resilient and prosperous. However, systemic change at all levels of our export-focussed agrifood and fibre system is needed to enable these pathways to be followed at a national scale. OLW has had tangible impacts in three key areas: the development and implementation of freshwater management policy; the actions and capabilities of catchment groups, farmers and farm advisors; and growing value for Māori and non-Māori agribusiness.