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Summer is here! Berry crops and other organic garden tips

26 Oct 23

Summer is such a waiting and watching period. All the hard work of spring is about to come to fruition – if we protect and nurture our precious plants and their ground crew. Diana Noonan shares her experience of growing food organically and reminds us, as we tinker in the garden, to enjoy the riot of colour all around and to marvel at how the earth, the essence of life, really can bring forth food in abundance.

Behind the scenes of the Organic Act

12 Sep 23

Over four decades, thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of voluntary hours have been committed to establishing a solid foundation for organics in New Zealand. Brendan Hoare recounts the journey, the challenges, and the lessons learnt in the creation of the Organic Product and Production Act 2023.

Healing the earth through biodynamics

25 Aug 23

A philosophy that transcends all cultures, religions, or science has been practised in Aotearoa for nearly a century. It’s a holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food, and nutrition that is gaining recognition worldwide.

Vote organics this 2023 election

25 Aug 23

At this critical point of organic development in Aotearoa, government support is going to be crucial for organic and sustainable practices to evolve. Jenny Lux asks our political parties what they intend to do about it.

A potted garden of Asian veges

14 Dec 21

Nathan Shiu has created an oasis of plenty in his steeply sloping garden on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, including many Asian vegetables not seen in most back yards. This grandad has hit upon a great model to make gardening easier for older people while also supporting the health of the younger generation. Dee Pignéguy pays a visit to find out more.

Bounty and busyness in the summer garden

14 Dec 21

Summer gardening tips and tasks, by Diana Noonan The…

Blooming beautiful flowers with Organic Blooms

14 Dec 21

Flower farming wasn’t in the plan for Craig and Mandy Purvis, but grew out of a shift away from the corporate world and towards organics. Theresa Sjöquist traces the couple’s journey to becoming one of the few certified organic flower growers in New Zealand.

Growing together with Common Unity

14 Dec 21

Common Unity’s roots are deeply set in its community in the Hutt Valley, 25 km north of Wellington. We marvelled at everything this not-for-profit organisation was achieving: growing and distributing food, sharing knowledge and building its own solutions to the challenges faced in its community.

Taking the plunge into cold-water immersion

14 Dec 21

Immersing yourself in cold water has many health benefits, as Anne Gastinger discovers.

Organics around the world

13 Dec 21

The demand for New Zealand organic produce is growing, reflecting the global trend. Local experts share their thoughts with Melissa Reid on how the sector can scale up to meet domestic and export demands.