Valuing family health from Waihi Bush Organic Farm

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With over 30 years in the industry, the creation of the long-established brand “Waihi Bush Organic Farm” came from humble beginnings: the business was born from a desire to find solution to a family health problem rather than from desire to get rich.

The owner & founder David Musgrave’s youngest son Oliver developed eczema, which first appeared in the creases on the insides of his elbows and became so itchy that he would scratch himself day and night to the point of bleeding. Most nights he would spend lying on David’s stomach while he gently scratched the itches to help him get to sleep. They tried unsuccessfully to stop the itch using various medications and natural creams.

An acquaintance of David’s who was importing Canadian flax seed oil gave him a bottle of oil and suggested giving it to Oliver. Within days of first taking the flax oil, there was an improvement. An itch-free week went by and suddenly, life had become hugely different for all the family. David then set out to research the science behind the effects of flax seed oil on health and how to produce and maintain the quality of the delicate oil. David started pressing flax seed oil at Waihi Bush Organic Farm in 1994, using a tiny press that made about 30 litres a day, with imported technology to protect the delicate oil from damage during manufacture.  David went on to feature on the Country Calendar programme in 2006. Oliver is now 30+ and there can be no doubt about the role flax seed oil has played in restoring and preserving his quality of life.

Waihi Bush was originally settled by David Musgrave’s family in the 1870s when the Woodbury area was a significant source of native timber. Fortunately, 15 ha of virgin native bush were retained on the property and this is now the only remaining example left on the Canterbury Plains. It includes many magnificent totara, matai and kahikatea over 1000 years old, several over 8 metres in girth. With help from their Jack Russell terrier – Pippin, they have managed to get pests like possums, feral cats, rats and ferrets down to very low levels, which are reflected in high levels of native birds like kereru (native pigeon) bellbirds, fantails and grey warblers.

The bush has been permanently protected by a Queen Elizabeth II Trust covenant since

Waihi Bush Organic Farm became Bio-Gro Certified Organic in 1988 and the first flaxseed crop was grown there in 1994. Seed-eating birds love flaxseed, so with all the trees on Waihi Bush, bird predation has always been a problem. This first crop should have produced about 100 tonnes of seed, but a long spell of bad weather when the harvest was about to start, meant that the birds ate all but five tonnes.

By 2002 the 100-year-old stable building on the farm, which housed the operation was bulging at the seams. The whole operation was moved into larger premises in Kennedy Street, Geraldine and the company name was changed to Functional  Whole Foods New Zealand Ltd.  Maintaining the Waihi Bush Organic Farm brand for all of its organic health food products.

Skip forward 21 years and the company still has a strong culture of research and development, with emphasis on developing customised blends, based on a sound understanding of the current nutritional science.  Constantly bringing innovation to the it’s ranges driven by passion and integrity.

Waihi Bush Organic Farm still prides itself on producing great tasting flaxseed oil and loves the chance to prove to people that taking healthy oils is very easy if they know how.

in 2016 In line with the current thought that you are what you eat, Waihi bush organic farm introduced their gourmet range for people who are looking for healthy whole food and oils.  Products that are easy to use in anyone’s pantry but will offer a source of nutrition and nourishment.  This saw the introduction of Pumpkin & Chia seed oils and them souring an ethically harvested organic Coconut oil.

The introduction of new products didn’t stop there, With the rules around hemp changing, Waihi Bush Organic Farm now contract growers to grow organic hemp seed.  Before that they had been importing from Canada but now NZ grown hemp seed oil sits proudly in the Kiwi made organic product range.

The by-product of the oil pressing process is pressed cake which is milled into the Flour. High in protein and nutrients its versatile to use in both cooking and baking.  From making crackers, cakes to thickening a winter stew the flours replace traditional flours and add taste and goodness to a diet. The are bake stable to high temperatures. It is used in many manufacturing processes throughout New Zealand.

It doesn’t stop there.  The organic animal range “For the Love of Animals” ensures out pets and animals also get the benefits of flaxseed oil and it’s by-product.  Many tonnes of organic pellets go into the organic farming sector each year.

How Waihi Bush Organic Farm conducts business is as import to them as the products. Their procurement protocol requires all ingredients to be sourced with NZ where possible from reputable and approved suppliers.  Contracts are given to NZ organic farmers for growing flax seed and premiums paid to them over and above prices that can be paid for imported seed.  They stand by the following philosophy.

Our business philosophy is a set of beliefs and principles that we as a company strive towards. It is essentially our truth, and drives our attitude and behaviour and drives our company’s’ blueprint and purpose.

From humble beginnings, our business was born from a desire to find a solution to a family health problem rather than from a desire to get rich.

We believe that everyone deserves good health – that you are in charge of your own health and that most people could feel healthy and happy if they choose to change the way they live.

We make our products with health in mind, and we subscribe to the following values: –

  • We support local growers and businesses
  • We believe in organic food production systems and natural products, and that chemical toxins foreign to our body are not conducive to good health
  • We support fair trade, sustainability and ethical practices
  • Our customers are at the heart of every decision we make. We strive to exceed their expectations, and we make no compromise when it comes to producing the best product we are capable of for our customer. We won’t consider compromises such as fillers, flavours, trends or price. However, we do try and create affordable result-driven health food options, without big-ticket price tags
  • In this busy, fast-paced world, we focus on building long-term relationships both within our team and with our suppliers and customers. These relationships are built on honesty, authenticity, transparency and genuine intent. Our aspiration is that every interaction we make is a win-win for both parties
  • We are an open-minded business, always willing to consider new ideas and continually embrace new science and research, to focus on innovation and create functional products to enhance our customers’ health

The true value of a cup of coffee

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You know the drill – you wake up bleary eyed, hit the snooze button a couple of times, and finally reach for the coffee – the liquid gold, the life source, the key to our ability to function. 

It sounds dramatic (and maybe it is a bit), but according to the latest Coffee Market Report by ICO, world coffee consumption increased by 4.2% to 175.6 million 60kg bags in the 2021/2022 coffee year. That is A LOT of coffee, and the demand continues to grow. 

Sacks of green beans (above) and roasted coffee (below) at the Kōkako roastery in Maungawhau, Mount Eden. Photo credit: Claire Mossong


On the flip side, green bean (unroasted coffee) exports are down in all major producing regions. Global exports in February 2023 totalled 7.94 million 60kg bags; down 20.23% from February 2022. Partly this is due to ongoing pandemic-induced freight issues – the other issue is a change in weather patterns. Extreme temperatures, floods, droughts, soil erosion and crop disease are affecting harvests with worldwide coffee production down 1.4% in the year 2021/2022. Climate change strikes again. 

To see how the world is changing, all you need to do is look in your own backyard. So far 2023 has brought Aotearoa floods, a devastating cyclone and now tornados. The climate crisis is well and truly upon us. 

Organics is climate action and choosing organic coffee that is grown with holistic, regenerative principles which promote the health of the soil as well as the workers is key – not just for combating climate change, but for ongoing coffee production. 

Kōkako Organic Coffee Roasters have been championing organics since their inception in 2001, becoming officially certified by BioGro NZ in 2007 (They’re also a proud sponsor of Organic Week). As well as being certified organic, they’re also certified Fairtrade – and this dual certification continues to have a positive impact on both the environment and the wellbeing of the producers. 

Kōkako MD, Mike Murphy with Daniel Kinne from HOAC (Highlands Organic Agricultural Cooperative) in Papua New Guinea. Photo credit: Josh Griggs.

All certified Fairtrade cooperatives that Kōkako purchases from must meet the Fairtrade standards. This means producers must take action to:

  • Adapt to climate change
  • Reduce greenhouse gases and increase carbon sequestration
  • Avoid deforestation and protect forests
  • Tackle soil erosion and increase soil fertility
  • Reduce water wastage 

Since it’s become clear that climate adaptation is now as important as climate change mitigation, the Fairtrade team are working on the ground with farmers to educate them on ways they can ensure business continuity and resilience. This includes maintaining coffee farms under forest canopies, which creates a microclimate for the trees and allows filtered sunlight into plantations, not to mention protecting coffee farmers and pickers from intense sunlight. 

As plots of coffee trees on some farms come to the end of their useful life, they are able to be replaced with different coffee plant varietals that may be more climate resilient. Where these are planted, they are interspersed with other cash crops such as peanuts or banana trees and more mature canopy trees, creating a more diverse permaculture environment while also providing farmers with additional cash crops that can be harvested between coffee seasons. The nurseries that many coffee farms have created help to future-proof coffee cooperatives by ensuring that new plants are available within close proximity to existing farms.

HOAC Fairtrade coffee farmer, Sewege Moa, harvesting coffee cherries in Papua New Guinea. Photo credit: Josh Griggs

Fairtrade’s unique, two-pronged approach helps farmers become more resilient to climate change, whilst at the same time giving consumers, retailers and traders the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint. 

All this is underpinned by the Fairtrade Climate Standard. Firstly, farmers, producers and workers can spend the Fairtrade Premium – that’s the extra money they get from sales of Fairtrade certified crops and products – and organic differentials on projects such as tree planting, irrigation, crop diversification and clean energy, which are more sustainable on a local level but also contribute to the global fight against climate change. Fairtrade farmers and workers decide for themselves how the Premium money is spent, because it is they who know best what they need to become more resilient.

A village in the Neknasi Coffee Cooperative, in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Photo credit: Josh Griggs.

Secondly, Fairtrade Carbon Credits – which Kōkako has held for the last 7 years, in partnership with the Gold Standard – enable farming communities in developing countries to benefit from access to carbon finance to tackle the effects of climate change. Companies that offer Fairtrade certified products, like Kōkako coffee, can purchase Fairtrade carbon credits to compensate for the emissions in that product’s supply chain. Farmers get a double benefit from Fairtrade Carbon Credits because they get a minimum price to cover the costs of setting up and running a project, and in addition they can use the Fairtrade Premium on every credit sold to invest in adaptation and mitigation.

As well as being committed to operating sustainably, Kōkako is committed to doing it transparently. Every two years, they release a publicly available sustainability report, which outlines their goals and their progress in achieving them, as well as their plans for the future. Kōkako believes that business is inextricably linked to people and the environment, and while they don’t pretend to be perfect (you can also read about what hasn’t been achieved), they prefer to bring their customers along on their journey, and hope to inspire other businesses to take action – regardless of where they’re at in their own journey. You can read their most recent report here. 

The Kōkako signature blend, Aotea – first made in 2001 and still going strong today. 

So, what is the true value of that daily cup of coffee? When you weigh up the fact that it’s grown in remote regions around the world, harvested (often by hand) and then exported globally to meet a growing demand while the supply is under increasing threat, the answer is incredibly valuable. By choosing certified organic, Fairtrade coffee – you’re choosing to support a system that puts the wellbeing of people and the planet first. And that’s something to feel good about first thing in the morning. 

Kōkako proudly supplies cafes, restaurants, and specialty grocers throughout the country. Their coffee and drinking chocolate is also available to purchase online. Last year, Kōkako launched a new dedicated grocery brand, Everybird, bringing their Fairtrade, organic coffee to over 100 supermarkets nationwide.

kokako.co.nz

Hawkes Bay Organic Producers Gathering

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Hapi Cafe, 45 Hastings Street, Ahuriri, Napier | Saturday 6 May, 4 pm – 5.30 pm

Calling Hawke’s Bay organic farmers, growers & producers! Let’s celebrate Organic Week Aotearoa and take a moment to get to know each other better!

Organic producers are a rare and precious species and deepening our sense of connection and community will strengthen our ability to empower the next generation of organic producers.

Please join us for session of whakawhanaungatanga from 4 – 5.30 pm Saturday 6 May at Hapi Cafe, 45 Hastings Street Napier.

Format: 1 hour facilitated round-robin session followed by an informal catch up. Drinks & nibbles will be provided, contributions welcomed.

Please RSVP to gretta@hapi.nz by Friday 5th May. This event is being hosted by the Hawkes Bay Environment Centre and Hapī Ora as part of Organic Week Aotearoa.

Fueling families and protecting the planet

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Chantal Organics is an award-winning New Zealand-owned company that was established in 1978 and is driven by a passion to fuel families and protect the planet.
Built on the foundations of organic and sustainable practices, they offer a range of products that captures the genius of nature and provides true nutrition to Kiwis.

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face as a country and as people. Interestingly, according to the Ministry of Environment, the majority of New Zealanders (62%) are optimistic that we as individuals can make a difference in this area, and in fact 76% agree that it is our responsibility to do so.

Sustainability. It’s a popular buzzword with many brands. But with climate change an ever-present thorn in society’s side, and clearly a growing concern amongst New Zealanders, it’s important consumers transform their consumption habits, making healthier choices – not just for themselves, but for the planet as well.

But where to start?

Opting to purchase certified organic products is a simple yet effective way to begin. Chantal Organics recognises that simply ‘sustaining’ is no longer enough. As a business, it actively focuses on improving its impact on the environment, delivering low-environmental-impact products consumers can feel good about.

From humble beginnings 45 years ago, Chantal Organics was an idea born out of a group of Hawke’s Bay families and their shared desire to source and consume whole foods they couldn’t find in supermarkets. Today, the brand continues to operate out of Hawke’s Bay but has naturally evolved into a business that offers over 166 certified organic retail and bulk products, and 115 fresh produce items to Kiwis around New Zealand and beyond.

Persistent in its pursuit for bettering the way in which people consume, Chantal Organics is continuously exploring ways to reinvent the food category, replacing processed products packed with preservatives and additives, with organic food that’s overflowing with delicious flavours made from ingredients close to nature.

The breadth of its product range offers consumers the opportunity to opt for healthy and sustainable alternatives for household staples. Ranging from baking ingredients like various types of flour to tasty sauces to cook with such as the Tamari Soy Sauce, or even its healthy twist on a Kiwi-favourite Tomato Ketchup to squirt on top of your favourite dish.

For those looking for convenience, its range of on-the-go goodness products like the Protein Bars boosted with more than one billion beneficial probiotics and its just-add-water oat cups are a great way to bring holistic goodness and the great taste of nature’s bounty into the day.

With changing eating habits, especially in the younger generations, snack foods have become increasingly popular with consumers Naturally, Chantal Organics sought out a way to offer consumers a fun and delicious snack made with the best organic ingredients.

Thus, it introduced the tasty Organic Corn Puffs which landed on supermarket shelves in April, shaking up the snacking category with its unique flavours; Bang Bang BBQ, Churro Style and Peanut Butter.

Made from certified organic, non-GMO, whole grain corn, Chantal Organics’ Organic Corn Puffs are baked into a light and super crunchy puff and covered with a unique blend of seasonings and spices to create a mouth-watering flavour – so crunchy and satisfying, that one puff is never enough!

Further reducing its environmental impact, the Organic Puffs are packaged in a soft plastic recyclable pouch – much like many of other Chantal Organics packaged products, such as its granolas, trail mixes and flours. Together – when consumers join the movement and recycle the soft plastics – they’ll divert over 290,000 plastic pouches from landfill annually.

In fact, their entire product offering is packaged in a way that is kinder on the planet. Presently, its glass jars and bottles, metal lids and BPA cans – containing products such as its beans and pasta sauces – are kerbside recyclable. Taking things one-step further, Chantal Organics replaced the plastic tamper evident seals on its glass jars with a more sustainable paper seal option. In their ongoing efforts towards sustainability all the labels on the spreads range use Rockstock paper. This revolutionary Rich Mineral Paper is tree-free and manufactured from milled quarry waste stone, marble, tile and offcuts from the building industry. Rockstock production uses relatively little energy, does not require water or use fossil fuels and the paper mills create no air pollution, no toxic run off and no water pollution. It is recyclable, photo degradable and even compostable, when sufficient heat is present.

Along with expanding and improving its product range, Chantal Organics is always looking for ways to better its packaging solutions. They bring the genius of nature to the plate in a sustainable manner and shape the way people consume by offering products Kiwis can feel good about.

While the conversation around sustainability can feel overwhelming, it’s an evolving journey that Chantal Organics is right next to consumers on. If you’re looking for ways to incorporate more organic ingredients into your day, their website hosts a plethora of recipes that make it one step easier. Their blog also houses useful tips around recycling and reducing waste, such as in lunchboxes and in gift-giving.

OrganicNZ Awards Finalists Announced

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Organic NZ Awards Finalists Announced

We are delighted to announce finalists in the peer-reviewed categories for Organic NZ Awards 2023.

Organic Regenerative Farmer of the Year – presented by Biolchim

This award recognises a leader who has played an instrumental role in the organic community. It celebrates those whose work showcases organic regenerative farming systems.

The finalists are:

Jenny Lux

Jenny runs Lux Organic, a certified organic farm. Jenny has been nominated for the regenerative organic methods used on farm such as polycropping, no tilling, no dig gardens, and composting all farm “waste” which is used back on the whenua. 

Coral Remiro

Coral is studying soil ecology through the Soil Food Web School and works at Earth Stewards Certified Organic Urban Farm. Coral has been nominated for her work researching and implementing trials to improve soil biology. Soil health and climate change mitigation is the total long term focus of her operation. 

Ryan Fraser

Ryan works at Paritua Vineyards in Hawke’s Bay which is in its second year of fully organic management. Ryan has been nominated for his work protecting biodiversity on the vineyard and his work in the wider community to improve the river catchment environment. 

Emerging Leader of the Year – presented by TranzAlpine Honey

This award recognises someone working in an inspiring leadership role in the New Zealand organics/kai atua sector with under five years experience. 

The finalists are:

Jamie Tucker

Jamie has been instrumental in setting up the BHU Organic College Market Garden. This project is dedicated to educating future farmers and backyard growers in agroecological and regenerative farming methods. Jamie has been described as san incredible mentor, whose patience is matched by her enthusiasm, knowledge and tirelessness.  

Brittany Stembridge

Brittany is a member of OFNZ and runs TomTit Farm producing a wide range of market garden produce for the Hamilton community. Brittany completed the Earthworkers Regenerative Horticulture course (2021) and is ‘walking the talk’ on climate action and sustainability through food systems. Brittany has been described as a leader and influencer of a new generation of organic regenerative growers. 

Organic Brand of the Year – presented by the Soil & Health Association

This award recognises a company, brand or product line with organic certification and/or Hua Parakore verification that is independently owned and based in Aotearoa. It is open to successful organic brands who are leading the way to mitigate climate change and build a just society in harmony with nature and the planet.  

The finalists are:

TranzAlpine Honey 

TranzAlpine Honey are a 5th generation of family beekeepers, certified organic, and committed to the health of the environment. They are constantly innovating to reduce their impact in order to produce healthy food without compromising future generations’ ability to do the same. TranzAlpine Honey account for 68% of all certified organic New Zealand honey exported to the EU annually.  

Karma Cola 

Karma Cola are on a mission to be the world’s most ethical soft drink. They aim to connect consumers with farmers and growers in a way that respects everyone and everything involved. They are proudly certified organic by the Soil Association, and have an impressive list of achievements that sarted in one village in Sierra Leone and is now across 8 communities, impacting 3,000 people. 

Roots, Shoots and Fruits  

Roots, Shoots and Fruits provide organic fertilisers and nutrition products alongside education and scientific trials to combat incorrect assumptions about organic products. A recent success has been the Home Gardening range, to let a wider audience see what commercial growers had been using for decades to grow the biggest, brightest, juiciest produce. 

Note: One of our judges, Chris Morrison, recused themselves from judging in this category due to an conflict of interest in one of the nominees.

About the judges

Philippa Jamieson is the former editor of Organic NZ magazine and an Honorary Life Member of the Soil & Health Association.

Geneva Hildreth is Co-Chair of Te Waka Kai Ora and a former chair of Te Tai Tokerau Organic Producers.

Allan Richardson is a west Otago organic sheep and beef farmer and current OANZ board member.

Cleo Te Kiri is a BioGro board member and is the Dairy Business Manager Organics at Pamu (Landcorp).

Chris Morrison is the chair of OANZ and has made numerous business and voluntary contributions to the world of organics in Aotearoa.

About the awards

The Organic NZ Awards are presented by Organic NZ magazine as part of annual Organic Week celebrations. Winners will be announced during Organic Week on Thursday 4 May. Buy tickets to attend here: https://organicnz.org.nz/organic-week/organic-nz-awards/#!event-register/2023/5/4/the-organic-nz-awards

Organic Week is an annual celebration, held 1 – 7 May this year, organised by The Soil & Health Association of New Zealand and Organics Aotearoa New Zealand.

Organic Week is sponsored by Countdown, BiolChim New Zealand, Farmlands, Asure Quality, Kokako Coffee, Chantal Organics, TranzAlpine Honey, Pernergetic New Zealand, Waihi Bush and the Open Polytechnic.

Three peer-reviewed awards will be decided by a group of judges. These categories are: Organic Regenerative Farmer of the Year, Emerging Organic Leader of the Year, and Organic Brand of the Year.

Five Peoples’ Choice awards will be decided by public vote. These categories are: Organic Food Product of the Year, Organic Beverage of the Year, Organic Non-Food Product of the Year, Community Garden of the Year, and Farmers’ Market of the Year.

Sustainable Superheroes: The South Island Beekeeping Family Securing New Zealand’s Food Future

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TranzAlpine Honey is the #1 certified organic honey producer in New Zealand. 
They have been BioGro certified for 30 years – since 1993 – and with an unrivalled 113-year history as family beekeepers since 1910; they are undisputed pioneers for a sustainable, organic future.

With humble beginnings as family beekeepers in 1910, they knew early on that the responsibility of being guardians of the environment and the bees would be a lifelong commitment, and they take this just as seriously today as they did over 100 years ago.

“Biodiversity, environmental impact and conservation of the bees are at the forefront of every decision we make – from the carefully considered location of each hive to the packaging we put our honey products in.

While technology has afforded us the ability to streamline some of our processes, our traditional simple beekeeping practices are still very much at the core of everything we do.” 

Today they are 5th generation family beekeepers, producing over 27 certified organic honey products, health supplements and remedies including 17 different kinds of premium organic honey and honey fusions, that are enjoyed in over 28 countries across 5 continents.

No other New Zealand organic honey producer has a market this big.

Out of 6735 registered beekeepers in New Zealand, just nine are registered and organically certified and TranzAlpine Honey is one of them.

“As beekeepers, we have a responsibility to safeguard our ecosystems so that our natural pollinators can thrive. As part of that responsibility, every single part of our business processes involves careful consideration as to the environmental impact it may have. 

We take rigorous steps to ensure that our organic compliance practices, registration and certifications are current and meticulously met. Our organic beekeeping practices ensure the longevity of natural pollinators who can live out their life cycle in nature while preserving critical biodiversity.”

Yuriy Soshnikov, MD, TranzAlpine Organics

The TranzAlpine Honey Organic Commitment

Despite a global surge in demand for New Zealand organic Mānuka honey, TranzAlpine Honey is proud to continue to produce honey products that don’t come at the expense of the natural environment or the precious natural pollinators. 

TranzAlpine Honey believes that the production of certified organic honey is so much more than not using pesticides or chemicals. 

“It’s about building and nurturing stronger ecosystems, it’s about education for staff, customers, suppliers and to the industry so that we can all do our bit to decrease the adverse effects of global warming.

It’s about investing in the less harmful elements of production – like wood frames and hives over polyhives and hydrocarbons. Everything we do now impacts the food security of generations to come.”

Here are just some of the ways that TranzAlpine Honey shows their commitment to climate mitigation and future food security through organic practices.

They are 100% NZ Made – They don’t outsource any of their processes from hive to jar. Their packaging is environmentally friendly and 100% recycled, sourced from a local South Island supplier.

They look after their bees – They only use renewable, carbon neutral and sustainable wooden honey frames and beehives. These keep bees warm in the winter and promote longevity.

They are industry approved – All of their products are certified EU/USDA/CAN/SW, US FDA  organic, Vegetarian certified, and halal certified. They are also NZ-Made certified and a Fernmark-licensed brand.

They are transparent. Each jar of their certified organic honey is fully traceable to the individual beehive and location.

They use renewable energy – They have converted their processing factory to a 15kwh solar system with sophisticated solar battery storage, allowing them to be 90% off the grid during peak season.

They use rPet packaging – rPet is safer with a much lower carbon footprint than glass for handling and shipping locally and around the world.

They are converting to electric vehicles – TranzAlpine is converting their entire vehicle fleet to be 100% EV by 2027.  

They are certified – All of our products are non-GMO and BioGro organic certified.

They only use environmentally friendly products – They don’t use any materials derived from hydrocarbons or that contain microplastics.

They are rigorously compliant – Each batch of honey is independently tested, audited and certified by MPI and BioGro NZ.

They don’t use chemicals or heat – Unlike conventional operations that heat honey above 50 degrees Celsius; they maintain the natural temperature of the beehives.

They are champions for New Zealand organic products – TranzAlpine Honey supplies 68% of all organic honey exported to the EU and to date has exported over 1 million jars of honey worldwide.

They are independent – They are not part of any large company and don’t have to sacrifice their values to make a profit. They can innovate, adapt, and remain committed to their organic values.

They are part of NZ policy development – TranzAlpine is actively involved in the development of the New Zealand National Organic standard as part of the development team with MPI.

Bees are on the front lines in the battle against climate change

Honeybees are responsible for over 75% of all global pollination and, by default, global food security. 

Pesticides, herbicides, and agricultural spraying are non-selective – they wipe out millions of critically beneficial insects, including bees. Over, 40% of insect species are rapidly declining and 58 species are already extinct.

Commercial apiculture, even small operations, has a direct impact on climate change and biodiversity conservation by not taking what TranzAlpine Honey considers critical steps to preserve declining natural habitats or conserve bee populations.

While the demand for ethically sourced, certified organic, climate and environmentally friendly products increases, so does the rate of the new-to-market brands who use marketing and labels to steer revenue their way.

Luckily, savvy consumers know that there is more to organic products than just labels and their preference for authentic, organic products continues to grow.

People know that when they buy any TranzAlpine Honey product, they vote for a better future. 

They vote to support the New Zealand bees living their natural life-cycle in harmony with nature far removed from urban pollution or any pesticides and chemicals from agricultural spraying.

TranzAlpine Honey is constantly innovating and measuring our processes to find better ways to reduce our impact so that we can produce healthy food without compromising future generations’ ability to do the same.

Diversity drives resilience and healthy ecosystems with greater biodiversity are stronger and more adaptable, with the ability to recover faster from adverse climate change events.

Certified organic farming practices have the power to decrease the adverse effects of global warming and have more synergy with the environment. 

TranzAlpine Honey continues to build their legacy through good old-fashioned New Zealand values to drive a secure food future for generations to come.

Join us for the Organic NZ Awards 2023

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Join us for the Organic NZ Awards 2023! These awards showcase and celebrate the very best of Aotearoa’s organic farmers, brands, products and leaders. The awards provide an opportunity to recognise those behind New Zealand’s organic food and farming, championing innovation and celebrating those creating exceptional organic products that work for people, planet, wildlife and the climate.  

About the event

This is a celebration of all things organic and is your chance to connect with our judges, guests and leaders from around the organic sector. Plus enjoy great organic food and wine, network and make new friends!

Awards winners will be announced on the night.

Date and time: Thursday May 4th from 5.30pm – 8.00pm
Venue: The Boatshed, Taranaki Wharf, Wellington CBD

Buy tickets for the Organic NZ Awards 2023 in Wellington

Ticket price includes complimentary wine and a light supper.

Find out more and vote for your favourites!

We have five peoples’ choice categories that are decided by public vote. Have a look at the finalists and cast your vote today!

From proud sponsor Penergetic New Zealand: The natural biotechnology for intelligent agriculture

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Produced in Switzerland and distributed to 40 countries, Penergetic’s range of organic biostimulants are used in agriculture to reactivate existing biology back to natural levels by addressing underlying issues causing the biology’s current decline.  

Benefits include improved soil structures and stronger plant growth with increased yields giving rise to healthier and more vibrant crops and animals. 

Penergetic products are IFOAM and Biogro NZ certified and can help conventional farmers and growers to significantly reduce synthetic fertiliser input. 

Penergetic International started product development and trials in Switzerland in 1979, with commercial production and distribution commencing in 2001. The family business approach is based on values: respectful interaction with humans and nature, fairness and social relationships.

Amongst the biggest challenges in modern agriculture is developing sustainable systems that can economically produce food and fibre with little impact on environmental resources. Penergetic harnesses this challenge with a suite of products that use innovative biostimulation technology that increases biological activity in all agricultural sub-systems naturally.

For example, Penergetic’s Soil & Plant products work synergistically to restore and restructure soil and to boost productivity and nutrition of plants. Soil structures are naturally improved with enriched biological quality, photosynthesis is optimised, and plants grow healthier roots with strengthened immunity. These benefits lead to lower fertiliser requirements, increased climate tolerance, boosted natural resistance to pests & diseases, and sustainable farming. 

The Science 

These scientific studies published in the Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences June 2020, Vol. 9, No. 1, pp.1-7, show in-vitro studies of growth in 2 bacteria (growth-promoting Trichoderma, and nitrogen-fixing Bradyrhizobium) and 2 fungi (Mycorrhizal and Suillus) before and after Penergetic treatment. 

Lab results extend to fields & pastures 

The above studies document how for four microbiological organisms commonly observed in agriculture, Penergetic biostimulation significantly increases activity.  

The same stimulation effect is evident in fields and on crops and pastures, as plants and animals respond to the increased biological activity with higher yields and higher quality products.  

Added Penergetic, combined with a rational reduction in fertiliser inputs, gives the stimulated biology increased chance of survival and reduces environmental impact. 

Trials & testimonials 

The following local trials were conducted at the BHU Future Farming Centre (Canterbury), indicate significant yield improvements using Penergetic b-Soil & p-Plant achieving 27% and 13% yield increases: 

This trial conducted in Waihi, has 67% increase in total fungi using COMPOST: 

Refer to the website for further scientific reports, field testimonies, and trials – www.penergetic.co.nz 

The Products 

Penergetic products are suitable for all agricultural environments, soils, crops, & climates and offer a huge range of benefits: 

b-Soil: boosts soil activity, supports biological activity, stimulates fertility, supports root growth, activates humus formation, helps with soil compaction. (Most effective if used with p-Plant) 

p-Plant: promotes increased yields and improves plant quality. Influences soil life, supports root growth, promotes vitality, reduction of use of additives, beneficial for the environment 

k-Compost: promotes humus formation and improves the climate in animal housing. Supports fast rotting, improves compost activity, supports humus formation, mitigates barn odours, helps with flies.  

g-Slurry: produces valuable liquid manure. Suitable for dairy and pig manure, helps to remove layers, reduces requirements for pit agitation, supports homogeneous fertiliser, abatement of odour. 

t-Animal: for sustainable and healthy animal husbandry. Improves digestion, promotes feed conversion, better fattening results, boosts the immune system, fewer animal losses. 

w-Water Remediation: reactivates existing water-cleaning microbiology in still water like tanks, dugouts, ponds, reservoirs, dams, even lakes. Penergetic water works to re-establish equilibrium and to overcome previous detrimental conditions. 

WATER Restructuring & Revitalisation: the AquaKat range of water-treatment devices can be used anywhere drinking or processed water is used or consumed by humans, animals & plants. The action promotes vitality & supports plant growth, leads to greater feed efficiency with higher water consumption by animals, savings with optimisation of additives, less need for cleaning and reduces non-operating time. 

New Zealand distribution 

Penergetic New Zealand Limited was set up in 2020 as the national distributor and stockist of Penergetic products. For more information visit: www.penergetic.co.nz 

5 Reasons to Choose Organics for the Planet

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Find out how organic farming provides a sustainable solution to agriculture, while also supporting a thriving future for people and planet. This article was contributed by one of our sponsors, Chantal Organics.

Organic farming is a holistic approach that prioritizes the long-term health of the soil, land and waterways. This directly supports a sustainable future through ecological balance, environmental quality and healthy workers and animals.  

Let’s take a closer look at how organic practices support a sustainable planet.

  1. Organics Support Better Soil . Healthy soil is the cornerstone of organic farming.  Healthy, resilient soil contains more bacteria to help plants fight disease and pests (reducing the need for harmful pesticides), provides plants more nutrition (providing higher crop yields) and also holds more water (reducing runoff and soil erosion). 

    Soil also plays a key role in absorbing carbon, filtering water and growing healthy crops. It is estimated that 20-30% of our current greenhouse gases are from soil loss. The May 2019 UN report stated that if current farming practices continue, there is just 60 years of farmable topsoil remaining. Some say in 25 years, we will hit a point of no return. 

    On conventional farms, soil loses organic carbon through farming methods such as: synthetic nitrogen fertilizer, tillage, monocropping and yield-based management. 
  2. Organics are Better for the Waterways. Healthy topsoil absorbs water when it rains, while depleted soil is too dry to do so, therefore producing water runoff. This runoff is dangerous as it carries any applied toxic fertilizer or pesticides into rivers, streams and the ocean. Supporting organic soil matter and eliminating the use of chemicals, supports fresh clean water for us all.
  3. Organics Help to Fight Climate Change. Carbon sequestration is the capture of atmospheric carbon in the soil and ground foliage.  Many people don’t realise the planet’s soil stores more carbon than the atmosphere, plants and forests combined. Improving soil health and planting perennials are two of the best ways to help soil sequester carbon from the atmosphere.

    As you can see, healthy soil has become a key component in the fight against climate change. Organic farmers support this by planting nitrogen-rich legumes rather than using synthetic fertilisers, and maintaining healthy soils through crop rotations and composting.
  4. Organic Farming can Provide Better Yields. Often it is thought organic farming might provide lower yields, however evidence suggests otherwise. The Rodale Institute Farming System Trial has shown organic crops, grown without GMOs and synthetic pesticides are actually more resilient to extreme weather. For example, during a drought, organic systems produced up to 24-34% higher yields.
  5. Organics Support a Sustainable Future for NZ  Humanity has come to a critical point in history, where food production must become innovative to support a growing population and the planet. 

    Here in NZ, the organization Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ), have a vision to make the world more sustainable through organics. They have a mission to nurture and protect the environment and to enhance the wellbeing of New Zealanders. 

    OANZ have created 4 principles of organic agriculture which include Health, Ecology, Fairness and Care. Through this focus, they have put together the 2022 New Zealand Organic Sector Strategy, which will be used to take New Zealand’s fast-growing organic industry to the next level. It’s inspiring to see action being taken in NZ, for New Zealanders. 

Is organic food worth the price tag?    

Simply put, organic farming costs more. The sustainable production processes reviewed above are more labour intensive and certainly more expensive. Rather than using commercially subsidized synthetic pesticides, organic farmers utilize crop rotation and manure or seaweed for healthy soils, which can add to labour costs. Organic certifications themselves also take time and money. 

Organic food appears more expensive when considering the monetary price alone. However, when you consider the true cost of food, which includes the price on the planet and on our health, it may be a more realistic price than the cheap conventionally grown food. So, the question is: Is organic food worth it to you? 

For a few tips and tricks on how to eat more organics while sticking to a budget, check out, 7 Simple Steps to Going Organic. 

Chantal Organics is a Napier-based, organic producer of award-winning granolas and spreads, along with offering a range of organic snacks and pantry staples. Sharing the same values around organics, they have been a regular sponsor of Organic Week.

11 ways to get involved in Organic Week

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Whether you’re looking to volunteer in your community, add more organics to your life, or simply live a more climate friendly lifestyle, Kristen Capaccio has got some tips to support your journey. 

Organic Week is an opportunity for everyone to get involved and make a difference.  It is a week where people can come together to connect over a shared goal of making the world a better place, for today, tomorrow, and the future. 

5 ways to get involved within your community.

  1. Organise an event. If you’re a master multi-tasker, this is where you will shine. Here are a few ideas from past events, along with a bit of inspiration for new ones: urban or rural organic farm tour, movie night, plant-based potluck, get a local hero or speaker to share their story, organise a beach clean-up. Get some friends to help and start organising now.
  2. Create awareness in your community. Sometimes all it takes is for one good idea and someone with passion to get the ball rolling. 
    • Talk to the team at your local organic or natural food store. Are they running an event, and can you assist? 
    • Have you heard of WWOOF? See a new part of NZ and volunteer at an organic garden. 
    • Engage with your local library. Ask them to create an organic book display, host a speaker, or simply put up a poster. 
    • Volunteer at your local community garden or find out how you can support the local Garden to Table school program.
    • Visit your local environmental centre and ask how you can help. 
  3. Check out Green Drinks. Each month people who work in the environmental field meet up for informal sessions to share their knowledge and passion. This is a great way to meet people in your area and learn more about local sustainable initiatives.
  4. Write to your local MP. MPs represent you in Parliament and you have a right to contact them to discuss any issues. Share your concern about climate change and ask what their strategy is for supporting your community or specifically what their plan is to lower agricultural emissions. This easy-to-read article will help you get started. Find your local MP here.  
  5. Organise a carpool in your area. You may be wondering what this has to do with Organic Week? Living an organic lifestyle includes making eco-friendly decisions not only in the food you eat, but how lightly you tread on this earth. This is just a reminder that small initiatives add up and make a difference. To get you started, here is a link to Carpooling Guidelines, ridesharing tips and 2 ridesharing apps – Link and Zoomy. 

7 super simple ways to support Organic Week on your own.  

  1. Swap one non-organic food product in your grocery basket, with an organic product. Start with one product a week. If you’re not sure where to start check out our blog on simple steps to going organic.  
  2. Support local growers and producers, while reducing food miles. Try to include some locally grown, organic or spray-free produce in your weekly shop. Explore your local farmer’s market or independent stores. Go out of your way to eat seasonal, NZ-made products. Head over to our organic stockist directory to find organic stores, farmer’s markets and food box schemes.   
  3. Eat more plant-based food. Did you know it takes less resources to grow plants for human consumption than to feed stock and provide meat for human consumption?  Start by committing to 1 day a week to only eat plants. Here is a simple guide to eating plant based. 
  4. Stay up to date on what’s happening. Follow the Organic Week Instagram and Facebook pages. Check out the new Organic Week website and sign up for the newsletter here. Share posts, events and newsletters with friends and family. 
  5. Share ideas, inspiration, and hope. Get creative and design content (or use ours!) to share in your local networks such as sustainable facebook groups, environment centres, organic stores, farmers markets, gardening groups, etc. 
  6. Be a climate-friendly gardener. Start by planting bee-friendly plants in your garden. If you don’t have a green thumb, start small with herbs and greens, eliminating the need to buy herbs in plastic packets. We love this article about gardening in a changing climate. Or here is a beginners’ guide to eco-friendly gardening. 
  7. Become Future Fit with this NZ designed interactive program. Get started with a simple 5-minute survey to give you an idea of your impact on the planet. From there you can get climate friendly tips, track and share your progress and see how everyday actions can make a difference.   

Organic Week is an opportunity for hope. A chance to talk about the positive changes we can make. A week to empower yourself and feel part of a greater good. This week is about picking just one thing you can do to help. Where will you start?