Health & Food Articles
The wonders of water
It’s prolific, peculiar, fundamental, and all too often, unappreciated. Dr Charles Merfield marvels over the properties of banged-up stardust and explains why it is essential to life on Earth.
Contaminated ground water in New Zealand: The causes of and solutions for nitrate leaching
Tests are showing a high percentage of New Zealand’s ground water is contaminated at levels that pose a serious health risk. Rebecca Reider outlines the cause and potential solutions.
Studying the benefits
An ambitious new study looks at nutrient-dense food production in New Zealand. Many growers and their customers believe biodynamic and organically-grown food has specific health benefits. Kete Ora Trust is undertaking research here in Aotearoa New Zealand that compares the nutrient density of food produced...
Happiness Begins With Good Food
The hormones that support us to feel calm, content, and happy
are produced in our gut from the food we eat. Laura Hett
explains how our diet affects our state of mind.
Beauty and business on borrowed land
You don’t need land to have a garden. Nor capital to start a business. Diana Noonan finds out from an innovative artist how she turned her life around to create a satisfying organic lifestyle and income - without land or start-up capital.
What we know about chronic and post-COVID fatigue
Chronic fatigue has been around for a while, and there is renewed interest due to one of the main triggers being viral infection. It might be too soon to tell, but the recent outbreak of COVID-19 could be a trigger. Holistic nutritionist Laura Hett looks at what we know about chronic fatigue.
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.
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.
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).
How to make kimchi
Not only is kimchi delicious but it’s a probiotic that is great for gut health. Theresa Sjoquist talks to two kimchi makers to find out the secrets of this moreish crunchy pickle.
Banned pesticide impacting New Zealand youth
An insecticide called chlorpyrifos, banned in the US but still widely used here, is again under the spotlight due to risks of exposure in New Zealand children.
Hormone balance, naturally
Holistic nutritionist Laura Hett explores the roller coaster world of hormones and provides practical advice on lifestyle changes that can make a difference.
Kūmara recipes from Hapī
Kūmara is something we need in our community. It’s an abundance crop, says Gretta Carney, owner of Hapī Ora organic café and māra in Ahuriri–Napier. She shares some of her favourite kūmara recipes.
Kai as medicine with Hapī Ora café
Gretta Carney, owner of Hapī Ora organic café and māra in Ahuriri–Napier, talks about kai as medicine, the quantum science behind biodynamics, homeopathy and Hua Parakore – and shares some favourite kūmara recipes.
Meet the locals: Weathersfield Organics
Bridgit Gibellini lives in Nelson and owns herb and vege seedling company Weathersfield Organics.
Banana blossom, leek and kūmara crustless pie
Here is my finger-licking, creamy crustless pie, which also features caramelised leek, fresh rosemary, light spices and chunks of sweet kūmara, all immersed in a rich sunflower, miso sauce and finished with a layer of the parmesan-like cheesy rosemary crumble. Do not put this gloriously cosy winter’s pie in the too-hard basket, it truly is very simple to put together and so delicious.
Horopito: how to use our hottest native herb
Herbalist Sara Mertens celebrates our hottest native herb and peppers us with ideas on how to use it in the kitchen and medicine cabinet.