Posts

Matakana Cinemas – Six Inches of Soil Screening and Q&A

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Matakana Cinemas, 2 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana | Wednesday 1 May, 7:15 pm

Get ready for a film night in celebration of soil, food and farming

The new grassroots UK documentary ‘Six Inches of Soil’ tells the inspiring story of three young British farmers standing up against the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food – to heal the soil and our health and provide for local communities. We highly recommend watching this story of courage, vision, and hope.

Watch the trailer HERE.

Book tickets for 1 may at matakana cinemas

Edible Ecosystems @ Kelmarna – A Practical Introduction to Forest Garden Design

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Kelmarna Community Farm, Ponsonby, Auckland | Sunday 5 May | 9.30 am – 1.30 pm

A PRACTICAL INTRODUCTION TO FOREST GARDEN DESIGN WITH JUDY KEATS

So, what is a forest garden? Can food forests really help us get more out of our gardens and fruit trees and benefit the environment overall? Join Judy Keats, master gardener and tree cropper at Kelmarna Community Farm, to explore the wonders of forest garden design and deepen your understanding of how to help any space thrive with this transformational approach!

This 4-hour session is a crash course on the principles of food forest design. Judy will guide you through the essential topics and help you build a fresh perspective on crafting effective landscapes, large or small.

Find out more / register here.

Biogro NZ Certification Webinar

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Live via Zoom | Friday 3 May | 2 – 3 pm

Biogro’s organic certification webinars feature three experts from the BioGro team who will take you through everything you need to know about getting certified organic, including;

  • Certification Programmes
  • Certification Scopes
  • Certification Process
  • Organic Standards
  • Frequently Asked Questions

You will then be given the opportunity to ask any of your own important questions.

Find out more / register here.

Soil ~ Soul ~ Social Biodynamic Centennial Celebration

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Taruna Collage, Hawke’s Bay | Saturday 4 – Sunday 5 May

Join Biodynamic NZ in the beautiful Hawkes Bay this Organic Week to celebrate the potent biodynamic community and the agriculture course birthed 100 years ago. 

The Soil, Soul, Social Centennial celebration promises to be an exciting and vibrant event. The weekend will bring people together to celebrate 100 years of Biodynamics.

The focus will be on the many incredible Biodynamic pioneers we have here in New Zealand. The keynote speaker will be Ueli Hurter, the co-head of the Agriculture Section at the Goetheanum. Ueli has been involved with the Agriculture Section since 1994 and has formerly served as President of the Swiss Demeter Association and as Swiss spokesman to Demeter International.

View the full speaker lineup and programme here.

Earthworkers: Regenerative Horticulture 101

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Auckland | 29 April – 3 May

Earthworkers: Regenerative Horticulture 101 is an education programme that focuses on the ability of plants to heal the planet, through the microbial health in the soil and the magic of photosynthesis.

Whether you are a passionate home gardener, environmental advocate, urban farmer, market, marae or community gardener interested in restoration, regeneration and the wonder of biology by attending this course you become part of a network that is growing radical hope through food.

By the end of the course, you will have explored: 

  • the importance of utilising biology-first principles for growing food
  • the practices that support abundant biodiversity and the production of nutrient dense food. 
  • practical tools and strategies to use in your own regenerative setting

By attending this course you become a part of an optimistic and connected network of growers who are healing the planet.  

We provide online mentoring and peer-to-peer learning for continued post course support and success.

We are committed to support our participants to gain confidence in becoming regenerative growers.

Find out more / register here.

Hibiscus Coast Edible Garden Trail

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Hibiscus Coast, Auckland | Saturday 4 – Sunday 5 May | 10 am

Join us for the inaugural Hibiscus Coast Edible Garden Trail, proudly organized by Sustainable Ōrewa. This collaborative community event invites you to explore a variety of private gardens across Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast.

Embark on a journey through these diverse gardens, each offering unique insights and inspiration for sustainable urban gardening. From gardening on small sections to adapting to a changing climate, witness firsthand the transformation of barren land into lush organic havens.

Discover innovative techniques for growing on slopes and clay soils, as well as the integration of technology in food production. This trail is a celebration of community sufficiency and a testament to what can be achieved in urban backyards.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, join us on this enlightening and enriching experience as we explore the beauty and potential of edible gardens together.

This is a free community event.

Find out more HERE.

Contact Lena for more information: kovac.lena@gmail.com

Tomtit Farm – A day of Community Supported Agriculture and Soil Microbes

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66 Webster Road Matangi | Saturday 4 May, 10 am – 12 pm

🌱🌿 Join Us for Organic Week at Tomtit Farm! 🌿🌱

Get ready to delve into the fascinating world of microbial farming and organic food production at Tomtit Farm’s exclusive event for Organic Week in New Zealand!

🌾 Discover the Secrets of Microbial Farming:
Explore the innovative techniques behind microbial farming and learn how we cultivate nutrient-dense organic foods at Tomtit Farm. Whether you’re a seasoned grower, a home gardener, or simply curious about sustainable agriculture, this event is your chance to gain invaluable insights into the art of organic farming.

🌿 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Insights:
Join us as we delve into the concept of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and how it plays a crucial role in feeding our community with fresh, locally-grown produce. Farmer Brit will be on hand to share her expertise, answer your burning gardening questions, and inspire you to embark on your own CSA journey.

🌱 Seed Sowing Workshop:
Round off the day by getting your hands dirty and sowing some seeds to kickstart your own growing journey. Learn essential tips and techniques for successful seed propagation and take home the knowledge to nurture your own thriving garden.

Koha appreciated.

Contact Brittany for more info: info@tomtitfarm.com

Carriage Gardens Tour & Chat

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Carriage Gardens, 29 Awahou South road, Pohangina Valley, Manawatū | Saturday 4 May, 10 am – 4 pm

Explore a picturesque small lifestyle block nestled in Pohangina Valley, boasting extensive gardens flourishing with organic principles, guilds, and companion planting.

Featuring herbs, ornamentals, food forests, productive vegetable gardens and large native plantings. We use
biological aerated spaying, ‘found’ and natural mulches, composting, no dig with no artificial fertilisers. Growing seedlings and often from own saved seeds.

Join Sharon Corkran and Kevin Gillanders for the day to learn and share positive gardening ideas!

This is a free event, just turn up.

Email Sharon with any questions: sharicork@gmail.com

Planning the home orchard/food forest/lifestyle block

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7 Puketirau, Tirau, Waikato, 3484 | Saturday 4 May, 10 am

Sheryn Dean, former editor of OrganicNZ and TreeCropper magazine, has been collecting and trialling food-producing plants on a 3ha lifestyle block in the Waikato for 15 years. She has experimented with growing a wide range of fruits, nuts, vegetables, stock fodder and hopefully, one day, truffles. Come and discuss the variety of trials, pruning techniques, and microclimate manipulations she has experimented with to grow a wide range of plants.

Topics covered: planning, species selection, planting, formative pruning, micro-climates, and considerations for ongoing maintenance. View a mature orchard to see the results of different techniques.

Bring lunch and a chair, a notebook, and labels and bags if you wish to take cuttings. Please dress to be outside for the weather.

Hot and cold drinks are provided—$20 per person, payable on the day.

Email Sheryn to confirm your attendance sheryn.dean2@gmail.com

OrganicNZ Awards Returns for 2024

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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: