Posts

Review – The Wild Green Yonder – Philippa Jamieson

The Wild Green Yonder is a gentle read, spiced occasionally with self-deprecating humour, and sometimes, downright ironic NZ wit. Philippa takes us on a two and half year tour with her as she WWOOFs her way around New Zealand. WWOOFing is the participation in a scheme (Worldwide Opportunities On Organic Farms)to stay with and experience […]

Homeopathic Farm Support

Tineke Verkade - Homeopathic Farm Support

“Organic farmers constitute only a smallish percentage of animal farming activity but conventional farmers look for alternative animal health options too,” says Tineke Verkade of Homeopathic Farm Support (HFS) based in Hamilton. “Those with knowledge utilise homeopathics early and their animals are not as sick when the vet arrives. Homeopathy is safe and effective, and […]

Many generations, same earth and sky

Biofarm cows - Photo James Tait-Jamieson

Profile of Biofarm, a Manawatu organic family farm with a long history who recently recieved the cloak of Hau Parakore, an indigenous verification Hua Parakore is the indigenous verification and validation system for mahinga kai (food and product manufacture), initiated and driven by Te Waka Kai Ora (National Māori Organics Authority of Aotearoa) – MAI […]

John Ecuyer – New Zealand Wood Artist

Shield (wood & copper) by John Ecuyer

“Wood is fragrant,” says John Ecuyer. “You can smell it when you walk in the door. It’s a very sensual, soft, smooth, beautiful material and I’m surprised more people don’t work with it.” “In the late 80s I discovered lots of wood lying around the countryside – lots; just incredible. I was photographing pohutukawa trees at […]

Powering Up – Feeding Excess Power Back into the Grid

Double decker bus used as a roadside stall for selling avocados

Ex- zoologist, Steve Krzystyniak, and his partner, Lily Guilford, run two small  organic orchards on their 10 acre block near Helensville. One is in avocados, and  the other is in mixed heirloom fruits. They also grow their own vegetables  organically using lots of compost and love, and sell any surplus to friends. In  season they […]