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.

Organic NZ

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Radical food systems change needed

Organic and biodynamic partnership

GROWING ORGANICS FOR PEOPLE AND PLANET

Fertiliser companies to blame for cancer deaths, says Greenpeace

Together we grow • Common Unity’s roots are deeply set in its community in the Hutt Valley, 25 km north of Wellington. In 2018, ONZ visited and marvelled at everything this not-for-profit organisation was achieving: growing and distributing food, sharing knowledge and building its own solutions to the challenges faced in its community. Rachel Rose takes another look at what’s happening now.

Blooming BEAUTIFUL • Flower farming wasn’t in the plan for Craig and Mandy Purvis, but grew out of a shift away from the corporate world and towards organics. Theresa Sjöquist traces the couple’s journey to becoming one of the few certified organic flower growers in New Zealand.

GROWING GLOBAL ORGANICS AROUND THE WORLD • The demand for New Zealand organic produce is growing, reflecting the global trend. Local experts share their thoughts with Melissa Reid on how the sector can scale up to meet domestic and export demands.

Bounty and busyness • Summer gardening tips and tasks, by Diana Noonan

Grandad’s POTTED GARDEN • Nathan Shiu has created an oasis of plenty in his steeply sloping garden on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, including many Asian vegetables not seen in most back yards. This grandad has hit upon a great model to make gardening easier for older people while also supporting the health of the younger generation. Dee Pignéguy pays a visit to find out more.

Asian veges to try

Maramataka for Kohitātea and Huitanguru

Take the PLUNGE! • Immersing yourself in cold water has many health benefits, as Anne Gastinger discovers.

Alive and thriving MATT’S JOURNEY TO HEALTH • It began with a suspected spider bite and penicillin. Five months in hospital, multiple misdiagnoses, chemotherapy, seven surgeries and four days in delirium later, Matt Ramsay discharged himself, stopped taking all medications and started his organic plant-based lifestyle. It was a decision that saved his life, the Taranaki father-of-two is convinced. Doris Neubauer tells the story.

PLANT-BASED recipes • Matt Ramsay shares some fresh and delicious recipes with Organic NZ readers.

Super summer recipes • Recipes by the Two Raw Sisters, from their new book Salad.

Raw blackcurrant & vanilla cheesecake

Vibrantly organic! • On the fertile soils of South Canterbury, near the foothills of the Southern Alps, sits ViBERi, the award-winning organic blackcurrant operation of Tony and Afsaneh Howey. Jeff Smith pays a visit.

Outstanding in their field • Willowmere Organics is a new twist on a traditional organic farming operation, as Mary Ralston finds out. Extensive use of cover crops and compost, microbiological inputs and finely tuned fertiliser applications ensure high value vegetable, grain and leaf crops.

Climate-smart FARMING • Dr Tim Jenkins explores the ways that organic farming practices, including resilient agro-ecosystems, can help prevent and adapt to the...