Good leather is meant to be used, and honest wear is not damage. But a Waikato winter is hard on gear, and a few habits will add years to anything that lives on your belt or in the ute.
If a piece gets soaked, let it dry slowly at room temperature, never against the fire or a heater, which cooks the fibres and leaves the leather brittle. Stuff sheaths and pouches loosely with newspaper so they hold their shape while they dry.
Once or twice a season, work a small amount of quality leather conditioner in with your fingers and buff it off. If the stitching or hardware on one of my pieces ever gives out under normal use, send a photo; it gets sorted at the bench, not argued about.