The history of GE in New Zealand
Bonnie Flaws investigates New Zealand’s ongoing debate on the regulation of genetic modification
Matariki: a new year commences
As Puanga and the Matariki star cluster reappear in our midwinter sky, heralding the start of a new year in Aotearoa, we talk to a healer, a politician, a biodynamic farmer and two organic growers about what Matariki means to them and how they’re choosing to celebrate it.
Pouwera, the circular community garden in Ōrākei
Rob Small takes us on a tour of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei’s productive māra and talks organics, mātauranga Māori and the challenges of pesky pūkeko
Pricing up organics
When it comes to groceries, many of us want to shop organic, but can’t afford the higher price tag. So why is organic food more expensive, and when you add up environmental and health factors, does it really cost us more? We investigate the economics and ethics of eating organic and shares tips on how to get more of it into your weekly shop.
To GE or not to GE: Organic growers consider Pfizer
Organic NZ asked four organic growers to share their stories of how they navigated ethical considerations regarding the Pfizer vaccine.
Remix Plastics spins material right round
Anthea Madill is the owner of Remix Plastic, which sells jewellery and other products made from plastic waste as part of her kaupapa to educate people about sustainability. We talked to her about this mahi, and why we need to think beyond recycling as the main solution.
Nurturing resilience at Awatea Organics
Awatea Organics is a research and training farm in Whangārei specialising in heritage organic food, seed and medicine. Its founder, Tui Shortland, talked to us about food sovereignty, saving heritage seed and her work supporting indigenous communities internationally.
10 natural health boosters
With seasonal flu, colds and Covid-19 circulating, maintaining optimum health for you and your family is more important than ever. Natural health practitioners gave us their top tips on getting organised, staying well and looking after yourself if you do get sick.
Puro, Australasia’s organic-certified medical cannabis operation
On a stretch of coastline at Kēkerengū, midway between Kaikōura and Blenheim, a field of medicinal plants is growing in the sunshine and sea breezes. This is no small garden. It spans 10 ha, making it the largest medicinal cannabis plantation in New Zealand. And unlike any other cannabis farm in New Zealand, this one is fully certified organic.
Blooming beautiful flowers with Organic Blooms
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
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.
Organics around the world
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.