Meet our new editor: Rachel Clare

A warm welcome to the new editor of Organic NZ, Rachel Clare, who brings 20 years of magazine and book publishing experience to the role. 

A passionate gardener, she is the former deputy editor of NZ Gardener magazine and former editor of its weekly digital magazine Get Growing. She has written articles on all aspects of gardening, from kōwhai to community gardens and composting.  

“I care deeply about systems that benefit the planet and people and am thrilled to be joining an organisation that has been championing oranga nuku, oranga kai, oranga tāngata (healthy soil, healthy food, healthy people) for 80 years.”  

Rachel has taught gardening through the Garden to Table programme, where school children learn how to grow, cook and harvest their own kai. “Everyone should have the opportunity to learn these essential life skills, and getting our hands in the dirt is so important for our physical and mental wellbeing.”  

As our new editor, Rachel is looking forward to investigating ways to make organics more affordable and will continue to showcase the diverse range of organic businesses in Aoteaora.  

“I grew up in Napier where Chantal Organics is an institution. I loved going in there – just the smell of it was exciting – but I enjoyed browsing through the bins of dried goods, and if I was lucky my mum would buy me a bag of squirrel mix – Chantal’s cute name for scroggin.”  

Rachel lives with her partner, Jacob, and two sons in West Auckland where they keep bees, harvest rainwater, grow flowers and vegetables and raise seedlings in a glasshouse made from upcycled windows.  

“Philippa has done a wonderful job as editor over the last 13 years, and I’m looking forward to continuing her great work, connecting with readers and keeping up Organic NZ’s commitment to thoroughly researched journalism that celebrates our organic community and sustainable living, and is filled with practical ideas to inspire positive change. See you in 2022!”