Posts

OrganicNZ Awards Returns for 2024

/in

Today, the Soil & Health Association of New Zealand announced that the next OrganicNZ  Awards will take place on May 3, 2024, at the Boatshed, Wellington — as part of Organic  Week Aotearoa celebrations (May 1-7). 

Nominations are now open and will close on 10 March 2024. 10 award categories aim to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Aotearoa’s organic farmers,  leaders, brands, food and other products. 

Categories include “people’s choice” awards such as OrganicNZ Community Garden of the  Year, and judged, peer-reviewed awards such as OrganicNZ Brand of the Year, OrganicNZ  Organic Farmer of the Year, and more. 

Jenny Lux, Soil & Health NZ Chairperson, said, “The OrganicNZ Awards serve as a platform to  honour those who have a vision for and contribute to an organic and regenerative future for our country, promoting practices that benefit the health of soil, crops, livestock, people, wildlife, and the climate’’.  

Jenny announced two new award categories for 2024, the OrganicNZ Leader of the Year and OrganicNZ Exporter of the Year. ‘’These additions reflect our commitment to recognising a  broader range of excellence and innovation in the organic sector, making the awards more  inclusive and comprehensive.’’ 

An awards ceremony will be held in Wellington during Organic Week, May 1-7, 2024, and will  not only celebrate the winners’ achievements but will also bring together industry leaders,  organic advocates, and stakeholders to foster collaboration and share insights.  

Key Dates: 

• Nominations Open: January 18 

• Nominations Close: March 10 

• Award Finalists Announced: April 3 

• Awards Ceremony: May 3 

For more information on the nomination process, award categories, and event details, go to:

Organic NZ Exporter of the Year

/in

Organic NZ Exporter of the Year

This award celebrates the exporters who take the organic produce of Aotearoa to the world. It will be presented to an exporter who is building the reputation of our country’s organic brand and industry.

finalists will be announced soon

Note: Judges will take into account practices such as packaging practices, sustainable energy and resource use, advocacy for organics and other certifications, eg living wage and carbon zero. These are examples, not requirements.  

2024 Finalists Coming soon

OrganicNZ Emerging Leader of the Year Award

/in

Organic NZ Emerging Leader of the Year

Voting runs from 3 April to 29 April

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

The Criteria

Nominations for this category have to be:

  • Someone who has been working in a leadership role in the New Zealand organic sector for under five years.
  • Be able to demonstrate how they are helping to mitigate climate change within their work.
  • Interacting and engaging with relevant communities, including tangata whenua to build a just society.
  • Working to future-proof and lead a financially viable organisation.

The finalists…

Alex Morrissey, Founder of Little Farms
https://wearelittlefarms.com/
Alex champions organic farming, environmental sustainability, and community equity. She connects local organic growers, reduces food miles, and empowers communities through education and accessible produce. Alex’s work embodies a commitment to a healthier, fairer society.

Jamie Tucker, Founding farmer at Laughing Pukeko and programme coordinator at AsureQuality 
https://laughingpukeko.co.nz/
Jamie established the BHU market garden and is now a Program Coordinator at AsureQuality, focusing on freshwater. She’s an advocate for organics, volunteering at OANZ and engaging with Eat NZ as a 2022/23 Kaitiaki. Her commitment to sustainable agriculture and community involvement reflects her passion and dedication.

Saskia, Sheldon and Elle, Vagabond Veg 
https://www.vagabondvege.nz/
Saskia, Elle and Sheldon are small scale farmers focused on growing with ecologically and socially centered practice. Embarking on the Hua Parakore journey and co-creating local food systems that work for farmers, community and our earth.

Each vote you make gives you one entry into the draw to win one of two $50 Kings Seeds Vouchers. Voting closes on 2 May, the winners of the seeds will be notified shortly after.

OrganicNZ Farmers’ Market of the Year

/in

OrganicNZ Farmers’ Market of the Year

Voting runs from 3 April – 29 April.

This award recognises the most popular farmers’ market in Aotearoa! Local food systems and community food security are really important to us.

Farmers’ markets aren’t 100% organic but are a big part of community food systems and often have a good amount of organic produce available.

The Criteria

Nominations for this category have to be:

  • A farmers’ market. We are looking for nominations of regular farmers’ markets that operate locally, connecting producers directly with customers.
  • That’s it! Really easy.

The finalists

South Christchurch Farmers’ Market, Christchurch
https://www.facebook.com/southchristchurchfarmersmarket/
The South Christchurch Farmers’ Market, formerly Opawa Farmers’ Market, is renowned for its fresh produce, especially organic options. This small yet popular market offers a great opportunity to get to know the growers and has a great vibe enhanced by shady trees, live music, and a scenic riverside location next to the library.

Otago Farmers’ Market, Dunedin
https://www.otagofarmersmarket.org.nz/
Otago Farmers Market provides top-quality produce, rain or shine, every Saturday year-round. With 65 vendors, it’s a foodie’s haven, offering organic options, fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, baked goods, and artisan products. Fostering community, the market promotes grower/customer relationships.

Thorndon Farmers’ Market, Wellington
https://thorndonfarmersmarket.nz/
Thorndon Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Thorndon, Wellington. It emphasises local, organic, gluten-free, and artisanal products. The market supports the community and provides sustainable food options whilst providing a vibrant marketplace experience.

The Shed Collective, Oratia, West Auckland 
https://www.theshedcollectivefarmersmarket.com/
This unique farmers’ market in Oratia, West Auckland, just 25 minutes from Auckland Central features 35 diverse vendors offering fresh produce – organic and spray free, pâtisserie, coffee, gluten-free treats, and more. Enjoy indoor/outdoor stalls, live music, and a pet-friendly atmosphere amidst a charming cottage garden.

Taranaki Farmers Market, New Plymouth
https://www.farmersmarkettaranaki.org.nz/
Taranaki Farmers Market is a thriving Sunday market, fostering a vibrant community of local small businesses and regular shoppers. Offering locally grown and made foods is at the heart of this market, whilst also supporting its producers and providing Taranaki with locally grown food at market related prices.

Each vote you make gives you one entry into the draw to win one of two $50 Kings Seeds Vouchers. Voting closes on 2 May, the winners of the seeds will be notified shortly after.

OrganicNZ Community Garden of the Year

/in

OrganicNZ Community Garden of the Year

Voting runs from 3 April – 29 April

This award recognises the most popular community garden in Aotearoa!

We want to highlight the beautiful, productive māra and community gardens supporting food security and sharing knowledge around the country. 

The Criteria

Nominations for this category have to be:

  • A community garden! Whether based in your neighbourhood, marae, school, or your local park, nominations have to be for a specific community garden that is managed and shared by the community. 
  • Not-for-profit. This award will go to a voluntary scheme where food is provided for free.
  • Spray-free! We’d like all nominations to be gardens using organic principles such as composting, spray-free and nature-friendly.

The finalists

Golden Bay Sustainable Living Centre
https://www.gbslc.org/
Since 1986, Golden Bay Sustainable Living Centre has fostered community gardening through regenerative organic practices. It provides growing space, organic produce to those in need, garden supplies, education, and events, engaging volunteers locally and globally in its holistic vision for connected communities.

Te Māra Hapori o Parihaka – Parihaka Community Garden, Taranaki
https://www.facebook.com/ParihakaPKRauFestival
Te Māra Hapori ki Parihaka blends collective gardening, Te Reo Māori revitalisation, and regenerative agriculture. By supporting three Marae and fostering community, it honours the legacy of Tohu Kākahi and Te Whiti o Rongomai. Regular working bees celebrate traditions, provide tons of organic produce, and promote peaceful resistance.

Grow Community Garden, Masterton
https://www.wcct.co.nz/
Established in 2022, Grow Community Garden fosters food resilience and mental well-being through organic vegetable cultivation. Linked to Food Resilience Wairarapa, it welcomes diverse cultures, offering workshops to remove barriers to food growing and utilising the gardens for community benefit and education.

Smith Street Community Farm, Christchurch
https://smithst.nz/
Smith Street Community Farm incorporates productive gardens, plot holding, and a foraging pathway. With volunteer sessions on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, they are bringing the community together to cultivate fresh produce, share knowledge, and promote sustainable agriculture for all. Ōrewa Community

Garden, Hibiscus Coast 
https://www.facebook.com/SustainableOrewa/
The Ōrewa community garden, inspired by permaculture principles, showcases possibilities in an average suburban backyard. With an amazing bunch of supporters, this community garden is sharing gardening knowledge, inspiring backyard growing and contributing surplus produce to the Hibiscus Coast community house food bank.

Each vote you make gives you one entry into the draw to win one of two $50 Kings Seeds Vouchers. Voting closes on 2 May, the winners of the seeds will be notified shortly after.

OrganicNZ Non-food Product of the Year

/in

OrganicNZ Non-food Product of the Year

Voting runs from 3 April – 29 April

This award recognises the most popular organic product outside the food and beverage categories. It is an open category that includes all the amazing organic products that are inputs for organic farming, that are used as cosmetics, or in fashion.

The Criteria

Nominations for this category have to be:

  • Not a food, and not a beverage! Otherwise, anything goes, basically. Celebrate the organic products that support our organic growers, such as soil conditioners or treatments, or highlight the amazing cosmetics and fashion products produced organically.
  • Organic! The product needs to carry an organic certification. This includes Hua Parakore verification, OFNZ organic certification or organic certification, e.g. from BioGro, Asure Quality or accredited international certifiers.

The finalists

Everkind Natural Deodorant
https://www.everkindnz.com/pages/shop-natural-deodorant-aluminium-free-organic-nz
Ultra-effective, ultra-gentle natural deodorant, a multi-award winner in NZ and globally recognised. Certified organic, aluminium-free, and eco-friendly with no chemical nasties, this plastic-free, eco-friendly product lasts up to three months and is backed by a 100% happiness guarantee.

Earth’s Kitchen Sunscreen
https://eksunscreen.com/
Earth’s Kitchen is a skincare brand rooted in natural healing wisdom from indigenous cultures. Founder Jules Bright’s journey led to triple diplomas in naturopathy and herbalism, specialising in New Zealand native plants. Their natural sunscreen, the world’s first BioGro-certified SPF50, combines potent ingredients with botanical intelligence for effective, synthetic-free skincare.

Absolute Essentials Essential Oils
https://absoluteessential.com/collections/essential-oils
The Absolute Essentials range prioritises sustainable supply chains, sourcing organic ingredients from 59 countries. It collaborates with small-holding, eco-conscious farmers and processes raw materials in the Aotearoa facility for sustainable manufacturing. Sold by professionals, not through multi-level marketing, it ensures quality and ethical distribution.

Roots, Shoots & Fruits Rootella
https://rd2.co.nz/product/mycorrhizal-fungi-rootella-t-garden-20-t-bag-organic/
Rootella inoculates into plant roots, sending out microscopic threads that provide plant resilience to disease, access to water and hard-to-reach minerals. Through the enzymes produced by the fungi, carbon is sequestered from the atmosphere and stored in carbon sinks deep in the earth.

Antipodes Lime Caviar Collagen-Rich Firming Cream 
https://antipodesnature.com/products/lime-caviar-collagen-rich-firming-cream-60ml
Antipodes is a mindful brand committed to meaningful change. Lime Caviar Collagen-Rich Firming Cream is a certified organic and vegan face moisturiser designed to support and strengthen skin’s natural function.

Each vote you make gives you one entry into the draw to win one of two $50 Kings Seeds Vouchers. Voting closes on 2 May, the winners of the seeds will be notified shortly after.

Organic NZ Beverage of the Year

/in

Organic NZ Beverage of the Year

Voting runs from April 3 – 29 April

This award recognises the most popular organic beverage in Aotearoa this year.   

The Criteria

Nominations for this category have to be:

  • A drink! Anything that goes towards quenching your thirst or providing a delightful accompaniment to food. This includes bottled, canned or sachet drinks – anything you’d serve up in a cup or glass and enjoy with friends and family.
  • Organic! The product needs to carry an organic certification. This includes Hua Parakore verification, OFNZ organic certification or organic certification, e.g. from BioGro, Asure Quality or accredited international certifiers.

The finalists

Daily Organics Kombucha
https://www.dailyorganics.com/pages/kombucha
Daily Organics Kombucha is 100% organic certified, gluten-free, and dairy-free, brewed with premium organic tea and pristine artesian water. ‘’I enjoy its clean, vibrant taste for digestive health, energy boost, and immune support.’’

IncaFe Organic Coffee
https://www.incafe.co.nz/
IncaFe Organic Coffee is not just delicious; it’s fair trade with genuinely passionate people behind their work. Committed to people and the planet, they prioritise sustainability. The coffee’s exceptional quality stems from its careful sourcing and thoughtful development, making each cup special.

Otis Oat M!lk. The Organic One
https://otisoatmilk.co.nz/pages/organic
The Organic One, is made from 100% organic New Zealand oats, offering a clean label m!lk experience. With minimal inputs and just three simple ingredients, it’s gentle on the land and perfect for any occasion. ‘’Lovely, so creamy and NZ made’.

Wrights Reserve Organic Chardonnay
https://www.wrightswines.co.nz/
Wrights Reserve Chardonnay is a bold wine of distinction. Deep straw in colour. Exuding rich aromas of ripe yellow stonefruits, tropical fruits along with citrus fruit elements entwined with creamy barrel-ferment and nutty toasty oak ”I love this beverage because of its exceptional quality and unique characteristics”.

Neudorf Rosie’s Block Moutere Organic Chardonnay
https://neudorf.co.nz/products/neudorf-rosies-block-chardonnay-2018
Rosie’s Block Chardonnay offers a modern, vibrant expression of the Moutere terroir. With elegant oak, savoury notes, and a chalky texture, it embodies sophistication and harmony, reminiscent of a lazy summer evening. ”I think this wine is a brilliant example of exquisitely made organic wine”.

Each vote you make gives you one entry into the draw to win one of two $50 Kings Seeds Vouchers. Voting closes on 2 May, the winners of the seeds will be notified shortly after.

Organic NZ Food Product of the Year

/in

Organic NZ Food Product of the Year

Voting runs from 3 April to 29 April

This award recognises the most popular organic food product in Aotearoa this year.   

The Criteria

Nominations for this category had to be:

  • A food product! This includes anything you’d put on the table to eat or use in your cooking, whether fresh or packaged, whole foods, ingredients, condiments – whatever! You have to be able to eat it. And no drinks – we have a separate category for that.
  • Organic! The product needs to carry an organic certification. This includes Hua Parakore verification, OFNZ organic certification or organic certification, e.g. from BioGro, Asure Quality or accredited international certifiers.

The finalists

Ceres Organics Fudgy Bites
https://ceres.co.nz/products/13062-organic-wholefood-fudgy-bites-double-chocolate-120g
Organic wholefood fudgy bites are indulgent and guilt-free. These plant-based, vegan treats are made in NZ with wholesome ingredients and no refined sugar or palm oil. They are ‘’a very tasty treat made with quality ingredients”.

Soulshine Spores AM Blend Medicinal Mushroom Power
https://soulshinespores.com/products/am-blend-rise-shine
AM Blend medicinal mushroom powder is packed with adaptogenic mushrooms, free from additives, organic, and easy to use; it boosts energy and mental clarity. ‘’I love this product as it makes me feel so much healthier, energetic and more switched on.’’

The Urban Monk Sauerkraut
https://theurbanmonk.co.nz/
The Urban Monk offers nourishing, certified organic cultured vegetables made locally. Hand-crafted in small batches, their products provide essential probiotics for digestive health. Certified by OrganicFarmNZ (OFNZ), this sauerkraut stands out for its delicious taste and commitment to sourcing from smaller, local organic growers. ‘’It’s hard to exhibit self-control. I could easily eat a half jar.’’

Woodlands Raw Organic Mānuka Honey 
https://www.woodlandhoney.co.nz/
Woodlands Raw Organic Mānuka honey is sourced from remote sites on the Northern Coromandel Peninsula, away from industrial activity. Rich, raw, and sweet with varying textures and shades of amber, reflecting natural stages and seasonal variations.

Seleno Health’s Amaru Organic Ceremonial Cacao Block
https://selenohealth.com/products/ceremonial-cacao-paste-peru-1kg?variant=41260908544180
100% pure certified organic, single-origin, Peruvian ceremonial cacao paste. New Zealand-Peruvian owned and operated family business. Each block, grown organically and blessed in ceremony, celebrates the heritage of Monte Grande. Experience the love and reverence with every opening.

Each vote you make gives you one entry into the draw to win one of two $50 Kings Seeds Vouchers. Voting closes on 2 May, the winners of the seeds will be notified shortly after.

OrganicNZ Leader of the Year

/in

Organic NZ Leader of the Year

This award celebrates those who have gone above and beyond to build, support and promote organics in Aotearoa throughout the years. It will be presented to an organics champion who has inspired others by their work and commitment to the organic movement and industry within their own work and in the wider community.

the winner will be announced on 3 may


Note: Judges will take into account practices such as packaging practices, sustainable energy and resource use, advocacy for organics and other certifications, eg living wage and carbon zero. These are examples, not requirements.  

2024 FINALISTS

Cleo Te Kiri
Cleo leads the Pāmu Central North Island organic dairy group, overseeing four dairy farms and a support block. She focuses on demonstrating best practice farming practices, achieving high production, and upholding environmental sustainability. With a deep con to organic farming values, she actively advocates for their adoption within the sector, speaking on panels and forums to promote environmentally friendly practices. Passionate about her team, Cleo embeds organic principles into their culture, fostering a consistently strong performance. She made history with Pāmu by being the first to manage an organic conversion, showcasing her boldness, encouragement and resilience in challenging the norms and achieving success.

Charles Merfield
Dr. Charles Merfield (widely known as Merf) is a researcher, educator, consultant, advisor, and advocate for the organic sector. Merf is Head of the Future Farming Centre at the BHU (Biological Husbandry Unit Organics Trust), where he dedicates himself to science and extension of permanent and whole-system agricultures and horticulture, including organic agriculture, agroecology, and biological farming. He regularly contributes to OrganicsNZ magazine, teaches tertiary students & mentors stepping-stone students at the BHU and sits on the advisory board for OANZ.

Yuriy Soshnikov
Yuriy and Victoria Soshnikov have been the operators of TranzAlpine Honey for the past 18 years. They’ve trailblazed the organic honey industry in New Zealand, becoming the largest organic honey producer and the number one organic honey brand in the country. They’ve exported over 1 million jars of honey worldwide and supply over 50% of organic honey in the EU/UK annually. At the heart of it all, Yuriy is a beekeeper. You will find him alongside other beekeepers, traversing the Canterbury high country in all kinds of weather, collecting honey, checking in on the bees and overseeing everything from harvest to processing, packaging, marketing and export.

The winner will be announced on 3rd may at the organicnz awards night – book tickets here.

Organic NZ Brand of the Year

/in

Organic NZ Brand of the Year

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.  

Nominations must be for a New Zealand company, brand or product line that demonstrates organic values and markets itself as organic, with organic certification or Hua Parakore verification.  

THE WINNER will be announced ON 3RD MAY

Note: judges will also take into account other practices consistent with organic production. The following are examples of relevant practices and are not requirements for entry: packaging practices, sustainable energy and resource use, advocacy for organics and other certifications such as living wage, carbon zero.  

2024 Brand of the Year Finalists

Ceres Organics
Ceres Organics has been a pioneer in organic food since the early 1980s and embodies a profound commitment to healing the Earth and humankind. With a belief that every bite shapes a better tomorrow, they passionately advocate for the transformative power of organic choices. Rooted in a shared vision among a small collective, Ceres Organics recognised organic food as nature’s ultimate remedy for societal challenges. Ceres Organics has championed the organic movement for over four decades, striving to make wholesome, delicious food accessible to all, fostering health, sustainability, and social responsibility worldwide.

Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay
Hōhepa is a charitable trust providing residential care and educational opportunities for people with significant intellectual and developmental challenges. Having adopted Dr Rudolph Steiner’s organic land management and food production principles since their inception, Hōhepa’s dairy and horticultural production has operated under organic and regenerative farming practices for over six decades. With internationally recognised Demeter certification, Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay is also the oldest certified biodynamic farm in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Meat with Us
A family-owned business, it provides ethical, traceable, environmentally sustainable, and healthy meat products for New Zealand people and communities. Its aim is to deliver fresh, certified organic meat products directly from its West Otago farm to New Zealand consumers. Its fully certified organic boxes of fresh lamb, beef, and smallgoods are designed to use the whole carcass, reducing waste.

TranzAlpine Honey
TranzAlpine Honey is the #1 certified organic honey producer in New Zealand. They are fifth-generation family beekeepers, producing over 27 organic honey products, health supplements, and honey fusions, including 17 kinds of premium organic honey enjoyed in 28 countries across five continents.

With 113 years of beekeeping and 30 years of organic BioGro™ certification, they are pioneers for an organic future.

The winners will be announced at the ORGANICNZ AWARDS ON 3RD MAY – BOOK TICKETS HERE.