Free Articles
To GE or not to GE?
We are at a critical point in decision-making about releasing genetically engineered organisms into New Zealand's environment. Philippa Jamieson outlines some of the potential risks and benefits of our options in a comprehensive flowchart.
Live2Give: Focusing on foundations, making good ethics a viable business
Two Manawatū couples with a big vision made hard choices, distilling their operation down to its essence. Rachel Rose talks to the owners of Live2Give about how their business has grown, diversified, adapted, and prioritised, all the while keeping the culture of doing it for good.
Japanese wineberry: where and how to grow
Japanese Wineberry thrives in forest margins and produces tasty morsels of delicious flavour. Anna-Marie Barnes introduces a hardy bramble suitable for those who like plants that look after themselves.
Members-only Articles
Azolla: a simple and sustainable biofertiliser
It is the ultimate fertiliser for your garden. It is free, only needs a bucket of water, removes greenhouse gases, fixes nitrogen, and enriches your soil. Sheryn Dean describes a simple and sustainable biofertiliser.
Growing organic hazels
Hardy hazels are well suited to organic growing in New Zealand, and the nuts are nutritious and versatile. Philippa Jamieson profiles Otama Hazels in Southland as an example of a successful small block and looks at the opportunities for more growers to enter the market.
Growing good food: seasonal gardening tips and tasks for autumn
March and April are such surprising and exciting months in the garden. Just when it seems the world is winding down and our edible beds are readying themselves for sleep, a whole new season of opportunity presents itself. That’s because, apart from a few of the coldest spots in the country (and even then, there is potential for growing undercover or indoors), nature never sleeps. So while autumn is very much the season for harvesting and storing, it’s also a time to be out with the fork, the seeds and the seedlings – and to start growing all over again!
Biocontrol: natural pest management
Nature is an ongoing war. A battle for survival, for dominance, and resources. ‘Pests’ are when one species are winning and are having a detrimental effect on our desired outcome. Charles Merfield explains how we can change the balance and allow nature to regulate itself.
The Therapeutic Products Bill: A step forward for natural health products?
Natural health products are included in the Therapeutic Products Bill which was presented to Parliament at the end of last year. Dr Sandra Clair looks at the reasoning behind it and says that, if executed well, this could be a step in the right direction for pluralistic medicine in New Zealand.
Tourism doesn’t have to cost the earth
The tourism dollar is coming back, but at what cost? Claire Brunette investigates how New Zealand can, and does, balance the effect on the environment while still reaping the rewards in our economy.
Drink smart: the impacts of alcohol
Always wondered what that glass of wine does to you? Holistic nutritionist Laura Hett breaks down how alcohol impacts the body, deals to some classic myths, and leaves us with a few tips and tricks.
Nourished for Nil’s mission to turn waste into food
New Zealand’s yearly food waste produces 409,234 tonnes of carbon emissions. To offset this we would need to take 150,453 cars off the road for one year or plant 163,693 trees. Rescuing this waste to feed people is a win-win. Christina McBeth tells Bonnie Flaws how she co-ordinates Hawke's Bay businesses, government assistance, sister organisations, and volunteers to redirect waste into food for over 1200 families.
Get into intercropping and living mulch
Nature endeavours to cover bare soil with a succession of plants. Science is understanding why and learning that the benefits of roots can outweigh even the best of inputs. Charles Merfield says we need to recloak Papatūānuku with a diversity of living plants and discusses how we can put this into practice amongst our crops.
Successful summer gardening: hot composting, time away, and seedling tips
Mid to late summer in the garden is a hectic time. All the edibles are coming ready at once, the weeds are running to seed, and you really need that summer break you planned back in September! But don’t fret – we’ve got your back, with some fail-proof plans to keep the garden ship-shape and super- productive!
Help our native butterflies
There are 26 different species of pēpepe butterflies in New Zealand. Most of them are endemic (found only in New Zealand) and some are struggling to survive. Jacqui Knight explains how and what gardeners can do to provide the habitat and food they need.
Humus is dead, long live MAOM!
Compost and manure certainly contribute to soil health, says Charles Merfield, but new research shows that root exudates from living plants are the true drivers of soil health – and that plant diversity is everything.
Hydroponics: can it count as organic?
Ahead of the government passing the Organic Products Bill, the Soil & Health Association’s general manager Pete Huggins talks dirt and water with horticulturists.
Eco-friendly period products
The average menstruating person uses up to 15,000 sanitary products in their lifetime, with the majority of them ending up landfill, waterways and the ocean. Claire Brunette investigates planet-friendly alternatives
Meet the locals: Organic Pantry by Shakti
Organic Pantry is a social enterprise in Ranui, West Auckland, run by Shakti – an organisation that supports migrant and refugee women in vulnerable situations. We talked to its founder, Farida Sultana.
Add daylilies to your plate
Herbalist Sara Mertens celebrates the day-by-day delights for the palate and health of daylilies (hemerocallis).
Introduction to biodynamics
Biodynamics is a holistic organic practice that views a farm as an entire organism. Rebecca Reider explains the fundamentals of this earthy yet cosmic system of growing.
Summer gardening: maximising space, plant protection, and more
Most māra around the country are now in full swing, and keen gardeners are keeping up with succession sowings and plantings. While that’s wise, it also behoves us, as sustainable growers, to look for new ways to make the most from every plant we already have in the māra. Through meticulous maintenance and careful coaxing, we can all hope to increase production from our allotted growing space, while at the same time, reducing waste.
Degrowth: is it time to live with less?
Capitalism is hurting the planet and people, yet we all play a part in driving consumerism. Ger Tew from upcycling collective The ReCreators talks about learning to tread lightly.
Ethical omnivorism: a case for eating meat
Meat is a divisive subject for ethical, environmental and health reasons. As part of an ongoing conversation we'll be running on this topic, Bonnie Flaws shares her view on why planetary and human health is compatible with ethical omnivorism.