Organic NZ

Organic NZ is filled with info to live a healthier lifestyle - for you and the planet! Published by the Soil & Health Association of New Zealand, working since 1941 for sustainable organic agricultural and good health. Topics range from home garden to large-scale success stories; eco-building; urban organics; genetic engineering & chemical issues; food matters & natural health.

Mauri ora!

Organic NZ

Transformational change that lasts • Guest editorial by Marion Wood, chair of Soil & Health

Your letters

Things we like

Competitions • Be in to win!

OANZ’s unifying organic sector strategy receives funding

Raw milk farmers charged

Organic Products Bill update

New Year’s Honours for organic champions

A Mid-Canterbury organic community of practice

THE RISING TIDE OF plant-based milk • The plant-based trend has led to an explosion in demand for plant-based milk – but what are the environmental impacts and ethical issues involved? Gretta Carney and Isidora Roa of Hapī Eatery in Napier find out more

Plant medicine from the soil • On the banks of the Dove River, in a quiet valley west of Nelson, two women are harnessing the healing power of a potent root. Rebecca Reider tells the story.

Organic originals Decades of dedication to organics • As part of Soil & Health celebrating its 80th anniversary, Mercedes Walkham asked four long-time members of the Mid Canterbury branch why they decided to join, and what they’ve gained from it. They agreed that the most valuable thing was the people, all the meaningful friendships they have developed over the years.

Compost solutions for urban renters • How easy is it for urban renters to compost their food scraps? Meghan Read interviews two Aucklanders in contrasting living situations about the options they’ve chosen.

Harvest gardening • Tips and tasks for gardeners in March and April, by Diana Noonan

Contaminated COMPOST • This growing season has seen numerous gardeners experience distorted plant growth consistent with herbicide damage. Minette Tonoli reports.

Maramataka for Poutū-te-rangi

Maramataka for Paenga whāwhā

FAKE MEAT or real veg? • With the rapid rise and aggressive marketing of processed plant-based foods, Christine Dann asks what really is healthiest for you and Mother Earth?

HOT CROSS BUNS

TOMATO AND CHILLI RECIPES

The risks of fluoridation to babies in the womb • Fluoridation of public water supplies could effectively become compulsory in Aotearoa New Zealand. A bill before Parliament proposes that district health boards (rather than councils) be made responsible for water fluoridation. We all want good dental health, but a number of recent studies show reduced cognitive ability in children who were exposed to fluoride in the womb. Dr John Christie asks: how safe is fluoridation?

Remedies for run-down soils • This is the first article in a new Soil Doctor series by Dr Tim Jenkins. We focus first on depleted soils.

Healthy food powered by nature • In 2019, Dom Ferretti and Jeanette Ida of Ferretti Growers near Nelson were voted Farmer of the Year in the Organic Week Awards. The accolade was well deserved; they’re still committed and enthusiastic organic growers after 10 years, three farms, and a sudden switch to vege box delivery because of the 2020 lockdown. Organic NZ asked Dom and Jeanette to share their story.

Tools for permaculture living • Meet a couple whose resilient lifestyle and business have been inspired by their global travels and desire for true sustainability. Tess and Marco Partridge run Crafty Gatherer, making gardening tools and domestic implements in the Papamoa Hills, Bay of Plenty. Theresa Sjöquist finds out more.

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