The Burke family prove that enhancing the environment is possible without jeopardising profit. Rick Burke and Jan Loney, more recently joined by John and Debbie Burke, have been improving the health of their 300ha sheep and beef farm, Pukekauri, at Katikati for more than three decades.
This has seen them fence waterways, develop eight wetlands, reticulate stock water and reduce grazing area by about 25 percent, using the Tīmata method of retiring farmland into native forest.
Freshwater Champion assessors said the Burkes have been proactive in recording and sharing their experience for others to benefit from. Their work has inspired the formation of other local catchment groups in which they play a hands-on role.
The Burkes are genuine trailblazers for improving environmental outcomes in farming and can now add the title Freshwater Champions to other accolades they have received over the years.
