Permadynamics – New Zealand’s largest banana plantation

Permadynamics has the largest banana plantation in New Zealand: over 200 productive clumps, each of which produces between 60 and 70 kilos of fruit per year. Klaus Lotz and his family primarily grow Ladyfinger bananas (aka Misi Luki), but they also grow a smaller tangier Cavendish-like variety known as Goldfinger. “Banana growth is governed by […]

Permadynamics – Reaping Abundance

Ladyfinger bananas in the middle of winter at the Whangarei Farmers Market?  I’d found the owners of New Zealand’s largest banana plantation, a diverse sub-tropical wonderland. From just two acres at Matapouri, Klaus Lotz and his family sell vetiver plants, banana cuttings and a variety of fresh produce. A passionate permaculture expert who incorporates biodynamics […]

Charlie the Commentator – 5

Charlie is still a baby, not yet six months old, but every day he ranges further out of his comfort zone, and sometimes get’s himself into sticky situations.  He likes to have a warm shower, and will stand, neck craned, gulping water from a single jet of water he has identified among the many jets. […]

Walking the Talk – Wayne Walker

Profile long-time environmentalist and Soil & Health member, Wayne Walker Wayne Walker is these days an Auckland City councillor, but in the past he was a busy cog in the wheels of the Soil & Health Association’s magazine, Soil & Health (today, Organic NZ). Wayne joined Soil & Health in 1990 when editor Chris Wheeler […]

Little Wing – Modern Heirloom Book

                  Modern Family Heirloom Designed for Coming Generations Illustrated with magically convoluted line drawings, Little Wing is a fairy-tale for all ages about following dreams.  A stuck wing means flight is impossible if the idea of unsticking it seems incredible. Claire Delaney is a full-time artist. She […]