Blue berries, rosy future

After 27 years of organic growing, Hawke’s Bay couple Scott Lawson and Vicki Meech have downsized to focus on their blueberry crop. Many readers will be familiar with the carrots, potatoes, onions and other vegetables sold under Scott and Vicki’s True Earth brand. Now, with the decision to reduce their operation from a variety of […]

The Magic of Microbes

How on earth are fish guts and sourdough related? Isabel Pasch, a microbiologist, and a commercial baker says the fish microbiome, sourdough bread, the soil, and our own microbiomes, all operate the same way.  Understand one, and you can apply the principles to any other. Loaves and fishes Isabel’s science background, (MSc in Biology – […]

Goodbye sandfly, hello business

Becky Cashman and husband, John Sanderson, started Goodbye Sandfly 20 years ago. They met in Nepal in 1995 while guiding ten-day river trips, each having independently made their living as professional global river guides for fourteen years. In New Zealand, Kiwi John and American-born Becky guided canoes on the Dart River in Glenorchy for a […]

Piko Wholefoods – 40 years of co-operation

Piko Wholefoods opened in March 1979 at 225 Kilmore Street, Christchurch, as part of a larger project conceived by Rod Donald, Hans and Janice Schaeper, and Keith and Pauline Whiting, then all in their late 20s. The project was directed by concepts of self-sufficiency and community – a sustainable urban vision which included a housing […]

Strength in diversity – Aotea Organics

Theresa Sjoquist

Aotea Organics is an enterprising farm demonstrating resilience and sustainability through a mix of productive activities and value-adding.   Five years ago, American Dan Friedlander, and his Japanese wife, Kazuyo, bought Aotea Organics at Shelly Beach on the South Head of Kaipara Harbour. Originally set up as Shelly Beach Farm in 1978 and run by John […]