Caring for the Land, Together – A Gentle Overview of Sustainable and Regenerative Farming Approaches in Aotearoa New Zealand 

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by Jayne Craig 

Across Aotearoa New Zealand (and indeed, around the world), more and more people are asking the same questions: 

  • How do we care for the land that feeds us?  
  • How do we grow food that nourishes both people and place?  
  • And how do we farm in ways that heal, rather than harm? 

There is no single answer and here in New Zealand we are blessed to have access to a rich tapestry of approaches; each one similar but also shaped by different cultures, histories and ways of seeing the world.  

Biodynamics, Organics, Regenerative Farming, Permaculture, Syntropic Agriculture and our very own indigenous organic certification system, Hua Parakore are all part of this story.  

While they all have their unique language and practice, they ultimately share a deep respect for whenua, soil life, biodiversity and future generations. 

Rather than being seen as competing systems, these approaches can be seen as complementary pathways, different lenses through which we learn how to live well with the land.   

This article aims to look at each of these different approaches, so we can see the similarities and differences within each system and how we can weave them together within our own practices in the home garden or farm. 

Biodynamics: Farming as a Living Whole 

Biodynamic farming began in Europe in the 1920s through the work of Rudolf Steiner. At its heart is the idea that a farm is a living organism; an interconnected whole where soil, plants, animals, people and cosmic rhythms work together. 

Biodynamic farmers use unique preparations made from herbs, minerals and manure to enliven the soil and are guided by lunar and seasonal calendars. Animals play a vital role in fertility and farms aim to be as self-sustaining as possible. GMOs, chemical sprays and synthetic fertilisers are not used within biodynamics. Certification for those who wish to pursue it, is overseen internationally by Demeter. 

This approach speaks strongly to those who feel that farming/gardening, is not only a physical act, but also a spiritual relationship with life itself. 

Organics: Clean Food, Healthy Soil 

Organic agriculture grew out of concern over chemical-intensive farming in the mid-20th century. Its focus is clear and practical: grow food without synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides, GMOs, or other artificial inputs. 

Like Biodynamics, Organic farmers build soil health through composting, crop rotation, green manures and biological pest control. The emphasis is on transparency and trust, supported by certification systems such as BioGro in New Zealand. 

Organics is well known by the general consumer and provides a strong ethical baseline, protecting both consumers and ecosystems by keeping farming/gardening, clean and biologically grounded. 

Regenerative Farming: Restoring What Has Been Lost 

Regenerative farming moves beyond “doing less harm” and instead asks how agriculture can actively repair damaged ecosystems. Popularised by farmers like Joel Salatin at Polyface farm and soil scientists like Robert Rodale, this approach focuses on outcomes rather than strict rules. 

Key practices include: minimal tillage, cover crops, diverse pasture species, holistic grazing and agroforestry. Soil is viewed as a living carbon sink and habitat and success is measured through improvements in soil health, water quality, biodiversity and resilience over time. 

Regenerative farming is especially appealing to farmers who want flexibility, innovation and measurable ecological improvement. 

Permaculture: Designing for Life 

Permaculture was developed in the 1970s by Australians Bill Mollison and David Holmgren and it is just as much a design philosophy, as it is a farming system. It asks us to observe how natural ecosystems work and then design our food systems, homes and communities accordingly. 

Permaculture emphasises system and function stacking, using tools like zones, sectors and pattern thinking to integrate food forests, polycultures, water harvesting, animals and people into resilient, low-input systems. While there is no regulatory certification, many practitioners complete a Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC). 

Permacultures strength and appeal lie in its ability to bring everything together; land, people, ethics and long-term thinking. 

Syntropic Agriculture: Partnering with Nature’s Succession 

Syntropic agriculture was developed in Brazil by Ernst Götsch and is based on one powerful insight: nature moves towards greater complexity and abundance through succession. 

Rather than fighting this process, syntropic farmers work with it. They plant dense, multi-layered systems of trees, shrubs and crops, continually pruning and cycling biomass back into the soil. These systems are self-fertilising, highly productive and importantly, rich in life, without the need for external inputs. 

Syntropic agriculture is less about rules and more about understanding energy flow, cooperation, and regeneration through time.  Here in New Zealand, we are lucky to have the team at PermaDynamics and their property is a fantastic example of how syntropic agriculture can work. 

Hua Parakore: Indigenous Integrity and Guardianship 

Hua Parakore is a Māori-led, Indigenous verification system unique to Aotearoa New Zealand. Rooted in mātauranga Māori, it places whakapapa (genealogy), wairua (spirit) and tikanga (values) at the centre of food production. 

The land/whenua is not seen as a resource, but a living ancestor. Synthetic inputs are avoided, and food is grown in ways that uphold cultural, spiritual and ecological integrity. Verification is guided by Te Waka Kai Ora, the Māori organics authority. 

Hua Parakore is deeply values-based, reflecting intergenerational responsibility, kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and respect for all life. 

What These Approaches Share 

Despite their differences, these systems have much in common: 

  • Soil health is central to all; alive with microbes, fungi and organic matter. 
  • Biodiversity is celebrated through polycultures, native species and habitat creation. 
  • Closed-loop systems reduce waste by cycling nutrients back into the land. 
  • Avoidance of synthetic chemicals protects ecosystems and human health. 
  • Resilience and regeneration replace extractive, short-term thinking. 
  • Community and knowledge sharing strengthen collective wellbeing. 

All of these systems acknowledge that farming carries ethical responsibilities, in addition, both biodynamics and Hua Parakore share the belief that farming also carries with it a spiritual connection. 

Different Emphases, Different Strengths 

Where they differ is in how they frame their work. Some are more scientific and outcome-driven, while others are more spiritual or culturally grounded. Some focus on certification and inputs, whilst others focus on long-term ecosystem health and community togetherness.  Timeframes can range from seasonal production cycles to intergenerational guardianship. 

Not One Path, but Many Layers 

Rather than choosing one system over another, it can be helpful to see them as layers of understanding that work together: 

  • Spiritual and cultural layers are strengthened by Biodynamics and Hua Parakore. 
  • Ecological and regenerative layers are supported by Regenerative Farming, Syntropics, Permaculture and Biodynamics. 
  • Design and systems thinking is offered by Permaculture. 
  • Ethical clarity and purity are reinforced by Organics and Hua Parakore. 
  • Community focus is  emphasised in Permaculture and  Hua Parakore. 

Together, they invite us into a richer relationship with land, one that honours science and spirit, tradition and innovation, people and place.  

The beauty of all of these systems is that they can be combined to create a way of farming or gardening that is unique to each individual practitioner and the values they hold.  We should not see each system as competition, but rather as approaches that all share a simple, powerful intention: 
 

To leave the land healthier than we found it and to grow food that truly sustains life, both now and for generations to come. 

The Biodynamic Journey: From Garden to Plate workshop

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Thank you to Gill Bacchus, for this post:

On 15 March Titirangi Rudolf Steiner school teachers hosted a workshop that focussed on biodynamic gardening principles and how they can be practically applied in school and home gardens; preparing and eating nutritious vegetables and their health benefits.

Diane de Saint Quentin greeted 14 participants warmly and guided them on a tour of several productive gardens that harmoniously blend into extensive bush clad school grounds. “Have you ever wondered how some gardens manage to flourish even in the face of challenging conditions? she asks. As we wander through the gardens, Diane emphasises the art of observation and the importance of understanding nature as a whole ecosystem. Discussions spark among participants:

· Could these holistic methods regenerate even the most depleted soils?

· How might these principles be applied to urban home plots and container gardening?

The answers begin to reveal themselves as the group explores the orchard and the Ngahere (bush kindergarten) garden beds. The teachers and parents speak to the land’s resilience and their commitment to learning about biodynamic practices. Together, they navigate challenges such as dry summer heat, limited water, and bush terrain. These spaces prove vital for children, fostering connection to nature, inspiring curiosity, and cultivating stewardship. Attendees begin to reflect: What does it truly mean to nurture the land that sustains us? We see how biodynamics has built fertile soil and discuss how the soil and plants could be further improved such as applying preparation 501 to balance the growth from preparation 500 application.

Next, Gill Bacchus invites participants to look beyond the soil – to their relationship to plants and their food. Drawing inspiration from Rudolf Steiner’s teachings, she highlights the profound connection between plant vitality and human well-being. “What does the flavour of a tomato reveal about its nutritional life force?” she asks, offering both supermarket and biodynamic tomatoes for tasting. The contrast is striking: the biodynamic tomatoes radiate vibrancy, embodying the care and holistic practices invested in their growth. She discusses how formative forces enhanced by a biodynamic system increase plant vitality and stimulate our physical, soul and spiritual health.

As midday arrives, the enticing aroma from the outdoor kitchen draws everyone near. Kevin Helas, founder of The Wholefood Kitchen, greets the group with culinary wisdom and a simmering pot of stock. “Simple ingredients,” he explains, “yield the richest meals when treated with care and creativity.” Sharing his macrobiotic expertise, Kevin demonstrates how seasonal, foraged produce like nettle and potatoes served with sourdough bread can be transformed into nutrient-dense soup and one-pot meals bursting with flavour. The act of sharing food became- a moment to savour not just the kai but also the deep connections – to nature, to ourselves, and to the life-sustaining cycles that surround us. Kevin introduces the Māori concept of kotahitanga (unity), emphasising the profound bond between people, the whenua (land), and its abundant bounty. In this shared tasting, kai becomes an expression of gratitude and celebration, woven into a tapestry of holistic connection.

As the workshop draws to a close, teachers meet with Gill and Diane to continue their good work of embed biodynamic principles within the school. Plans emerge for more compost-making sessions and further application of biodynamic preparations.

Practical Biodynamics – an exciting new workshop

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The team at Biodynamics New Zealand have been busy behind the scenes creating an exciting workshop “Practical Biodynamics” – aimed at introducing biodynamics to the keen gardener,  this workshop covers the main principles and practices, whilst you learn the simple steps needed to get started with biodynamics in your own gardens and properties. 

With interest in organic produce and growing methods, continue to gain popularity, biodynamics offers a holistic approach to growing which can enhance any organic or regenerative growing system. Biodynamics is unique, in that, it focuses on working with natures rhythms and uses the biodynamic ‘preparations’, 9 soil remedies made from plants and minerals, to create soil fertility and thriving balanced ecosystems.

Learning new concepts and ways of doing things can often feel overwhelming for those new to biodynamics, this is where the Practical Biodynamics workshop comes in, as it is a fun way to connect with like minded people, learn from a biodynamic practitioner, be introduced to the biodynamic approach and also provides a space for you to ask all your burning biodynamic questions!

Taught by Bridget Henderson a biodynamic practitioner, educator and BDNZ council member, our first Practical Biodynamics workshop was held on Sunday 27th April, 2025 at Ethos Garden.

The day started with a presentation on the main concepts found in biodynamics and then carried on with two hands on activities: burying biodynamic preparation 500 in the ground and spreading it over the Ethos garden.

Participants were also encouraged to bring an empty 2-4 L container so they could take some preparation 500 home to use on own garden or property. We are so pleased to report that the feedback from participants was extremely positive!  

A big thank you to Ethos Garden for providing such a wonderful space to host our workshop in.

BDNZ will be hosting more Practical Biodynamics workshops over the next few months, if you are keen to learn more or to attend one, please keep an eye on the BDNZ facebook page  as we will upload all the details of the event- including location and ticket details, we hope to see you at our next Practical Biodynamics workshop!

Biodynamics decoded

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By Monique Macfarlane

A fundamental aspect of biodynamics is working with the power of the cosmos. Having an understanding and using the influences at play, dramatically affects the health, resilience and growth of the entire farm organism,
humans included.

The Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Calendar, is a key tool in utilising the biodynamic preparations, to ensure appropriate timing of applications and allow the qualities of them to be harnessed. The calendar is created from astrological
information, that which is visible in the sky.

The calendar is not just used for the timing of applications of the biodynamic preparations, but also for sowing seed,
transplanting, spray and biological adjustments, harvesting, drying, and rest days are also included!
Many astrological aspects are detailed in the calendar, including the moon’s path and position in the sky, the illumination of the moon, the distance to Earth, crossing the path of the sun, and also other planetary movements. Here are a few aspects to get familiar with first…

Ascending & descending (moon’s path across our sky):

The moon’s daily path across our sky is always changing, and it is always either ascending, where it appears to be higher in the sky at the same time of day or night the next time it is visible, or descending, where it appears to be lower in the sky.
The cycle takes 27.3 days, as opposed to the 29.5 days for the illumination phases (full, new, etc.). Ascending is much like ‘spring/summer’ and the earth breathes ‘out’ whereas descending is much like ‘autumn/winter’ and the earth breathes
‘in’.

Quick tip: sow seeds in an ascending phase of the moon, and transplant or do soil cultivation in a descending phase.

Constellations & the zodiac:

The moon passes in front of the complete circle of constellations in the zodiac approximately every 27.3 days. It
spends between 1.5 and 3.5 days in each constellation due to the different amount of space each sign takes up in the sky.
Each sign corresponds to an element, and a part of the plant, which in turn corresponds to the crops or tasks to tend to.
Taurus, Virgo & Capricorn: Earth – Root: carrot, potato, garlic, soil health
Gemini, Libra & Aquarius: Air – Flower: cauliflower, broccoli, and flowers
Cancer, Scorpio & Pisces: Water – Leaf: spinach, lettuce, leafy greens
Leo, Sagittarius & Aries: Fire – Fruit / Seed: tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, beans.


New moon & full moon (illumination of the moon):

There is more activity underground in the soil towards the new moon, and the flow of sap is less strong. Turning in green
manure, and cutting hay are often done at this time. Seeds sown 48 hours before the actual full moon are markedly larger
than those sown under a new moon influence. One has to bear in mind however, when sowing at this time, plants are often
weaker and susceptible to fungal attack.


Moon opposition Saturn:

The day before this aspect is one of the best times to sow seed, as calcium (Moon) and silica (Saturn) are in balance, which is essential for strong plant growth. Healthy seedlings and healthy soil allow incredible natural resistance to fungal outbreaks, powdery mildew, blight and insect attack.


The biodynamic preparations & timing of use:

Biodynamic preparations are an incredible resource when creating resilient ecosystems and growing nutrient dense
food. Every aspect of each preparation has a deep connection to particular qualities. Here you will find a brief overview of the preparations, along with some cosmic timings to start using them in your system.

Spray preparations:

Preparation 500 (Horn Manure):

Source: Fresh cow manure, and cow horns, buried through the winter in the earth.
Properties: Enhances the life of the soil increasing terrestrial forces, vegetative and expansive

Timing of application: Typically descending moon, root day in the late afternoon to enhance the earthly forces and
microbial activity.


Preparation 501 (Horn Silica):
Source: Clear quartz (Silicon dioxide) triturated into a fine powder, and cow horns, buried through the summer in the
earth.
Properties: Enhances the cosmic forces, contractive providing warmth and light, ripening, and sturdy form.
Timing of application: Typically ascending moon, at sunrise. The constellation depends on the effect you’re after.

Preparation 508 (Equisetum):
Source: Aerial parts of Horsetail (Equisetum arvense).
Properties: Mediates fungal presence, and balances the water element.
Timing of application: A few days before a new moon when plants are already inwardly contracting. Moon opposition Saturn is also a great aspect for fungal control, or preceding the full moon.

The compost preparations:

Preparation 502 (Yarrow):
Materials: Flowers of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and a stag’s bladder.
Properties: Helps the soil draw in substances, support structure, heals wounds.


Preparation 503 (Chamomile):
Materials: Flowers of German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and small intestine of a cow.
Properties: Helps to stabilise plant nutrients and invigorate plant growth, and calm the chaos within the compost.


Preparation 504 (Nettle):
Source: Aerial parts of Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) and clay tiles.
Properties: Develops sensitivity in the soil, and helps to stabilise nitrogen.


Preparation 505 (Oak Bark):
Source: Oak bark (Quercus robur) and the skull of a domestic animal.
Properties: Helps increase a plant’s resistance to disease, increases flocculation so the compost doesn’t become anaerobic.


Preparation 506 (Dandelion):
Source: Flowers of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and the mesentery of a cow.
Properties: Activates light influences in the soil.


Preparation 507 (Valerian):
Source: Flowers of Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and rainwater.
Properties: Protection, temperature regulation.


CPP (Cow Pat Pit):
All of the compost preparations are present in this formulation.
Source: Cow manure has been allowed to age with the influence of all the preparations inserted as a ‘set’.
Properties: This is a great way to get the influence of all the compost preparations out in one go.
Timing: Compost preparations help to regulate the mineral household by bringing it into harmonious balance and are used as a ‘set’, typically added to compost when making, or to CPP. Both are made on a descending moon, root day. In time, compost preparations can be used individually, to activate and enhance desired qualities.

The biodynamic preparations are available for purchase by members, from Biodynamics NZ. Members also receive either a digital or printed calendar each year. To become a member (see inside cover), or to purchase individual copies of the calendar, visit biodynamic.org.nz


About the author:
Monique Macfarlane of Natural Wisdom teaches a variety of workshops such as biodynamics, planting by the moon, no-dig
food growing, and seasonal approaches to gardening and self sufficiency. Her heartfelt passion for food, localisation, and
thriving nature is the foundation of her incredible offerings.
See www.natural-wisdom.net for more information.

Land Based Primary Production Students in Action

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On a ‘descending root day’ the North Auckland, Land Based Training: Sustainable Primary Production students gathered at Shelly Beach Farm to dig up last year’s cow horns and spread 500 on the pasture. By all accounts it was a great social event.

Bridget Henderson has shared with us some fantastic photos of the students in action and the following observation;

“When the horns were laid down we buried some with openings facing down and some lying on their sides.  Upon digging up, the ones facing down had not turned as well as the ones on their sides.. interesting!”

We would like to thank Bridget for sharing with us these fabulous images – its great to see biodynamics in action!

If you have any images and stories of events you have attended around New Zealand, we would love to hear from you and feature your event in our monthly members newsletter, or here on the blog.

Please email secretary@biodynamic.org.nz to share your stories and images.

Observations of a Home Gardener – Since Using Biodynamics

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Harvest Article – Winter 2014

I have been using biodynamic methods on my home gardens for over 30 years on four different properties. Over the course of that time, I have noticed several things have noticeably changed after three to four years of applying the preparations. As

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