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.

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Organic NZ

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Things we like • Cool stuff we’re enjoying this issue

From the world of organics

Get a wriggle on

Yes to a global plastics treaty

H20 no!

Biodynamic cheeses scoop gold

Genetic modification regulation due for review, says government

Pricing up ORGANICS • When it comes to groceries, many of us want to shop organic, but can’t afford the higher price tag. So how come organic food is more expensive, and when you add up environmental and health factors, does it really cost us more? Bonnie Flaws investigates the economics and ethics of eating organic and shares tips on how to get more of it into your weekly shop.

You spin me round • Anthea Madill is the owner of Remix Plastic, which sells jewellery and other products made from plastic waste as part of her kaupapa to educate people about sustainability. We talked to her about this mahi, and why we need to think beyond recycling as the main solution.

TO GE OR NOT TO GE THE VACCINATION QUESTION • Organic NZ asked four organic growers to share their stories of how they navigated ethical considerations regarding the Pfizer vaccine.

The lady of shallots • Tips and tasks in the May–June māra

Women of sustenance • What do you do when your passions are photography, food and the environment? If you’re Sophie Merkens you quit your job, buy a van and set off on a road trip around Aotearoa to interview and photograph 35 inspiring wāhine growers and gatherers. Then you turn it into a beautiful book. We chatted to Sophie about her inspiration behind this project and get a sneak peek at some of the incredible women featured in it.

Maramataka for Haratua and Pipiri

Well, well, well • After being diagnosed with Graves’ disease, foodie Sophie Steevens decided to remove toxic chemicals, gluten and highly processed foods from her diet. Six years later, not only is she thriving but she’s also publishing lauded cookbooks. Here she shares delicious family favourites from her latest offering.

Horopito • Herbalist Sara Mertens celebrates our hottest native herb and peppers us with ideas on how to use it in the kitchen and medicine cabinet.

DIY skincare recipes • Save money and eliminate waste with these easy-to-make beauty products by make-up artist and cruelty-free cosmetics campaigner Justine Jenkins.

Meet the locals • Donna Evans is the store manager at organic grocer Commonsense’s newest store in Milford. We talked shop with her.

REGEN & ORGANICS WHERE DO THEY STAND ON SOIL? • Diverging focuses on soil health and chemical inputs is illuminating a gap between regenerative and organic practices. But adherents say it’s an opportunity to come together and find a way forward, says Desmond Finlay.

Cider house rules • Rebecca Reider visits a family-owned apple cider vinegar company on the Kāpiti Coast that has been perfecting the art of fermenting for more than 25 years. The secret? Letting nature do her thing.

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