Journey into Advent – Week Two

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Greetings to all our wonderful Biodynamic Community!

This year the BDNZ council wanted to share a little about the Steiner-inspired view of  utilising the four weeks Advent as a gentle inner journey –  and really, who doesn’t need a bit of gentle mindfulness at this time of the year when we all tend to get a little frazzled?.

Each week of Advent is connected with one of the natural kingdoms:

  • The mineral kingdom – The first light of advent is the light of stones, Stones that live in crystals in seashells and in bones.
  • The plant kingdom – The second light of advent is the light of plants, Plants that reach up to the sun, and in the breezes, dance.
  • The animal kingdom – The third light of advent is the light of beasts, The light of hope that we may see in greatest and in least.
  • And lastly, the human kingdom – The fourth light of advent is the light of man, The light of love, the light of thought, to give and to understand

This weekly focus is ideal for helping us slow down and awaken to the quiet growth happening both around us and within us.  Unfortunately, with all the busyness surrounding council, we missed the first week of advent, so we will be diving straight into the second week of Advent and an email will be sent out each Saturday to correspond with week three and week four.

The second week of Advent is linked with the plant kingdom and the element of water. It’s an invitation to honour and feel gratitude for the earth’s plants and water, which make our existence possible.  A time for nurturing calmness, emotional clarity, and a sense of quiet growth; just like how plants silently reach toward the light.

Here are a few simple activity ideas that fit the theme of this week:

Create a little “green” corner:
Gather a few sprigs of greenery, a houseplant, or even some pine branches and place them on a small table. Add a candle to symbolise the growing light.

Water meditation for children or adults:
Fill a clear bowl with water and let everyone drop in small leaves or petals. Watch how they float and move as a gentle way to reflect on calm feelings and letting emotions flow.

Planting seeds:
If you have some quick-sprouting seeds (like wheatgrass or beans), plant them in a small pot. Watching them grow through Advent is a beautiful reminder of quiet inner growth.

Create an Advent wreath:

Weave a simple wreath out of wisteria, ivy, willow, or similar plant material and place this on your table or bench.  Each week you can add something to the wreath that corresponds to the appropriate kingdom, as well as adding candles that can be safely burned.

These simple practices bring a peaceful rhythm into the week and help connect with the spirit of this season.

If you would like to dive more deeply into Advent, you might like to check out this substack post from JPBiodynamics.

Wishing you a gentle and green second week of Advent.

New Seeds: Growing the Future of Biodynamics

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SAVE THE DATE

On August 29th and 30th, 2026, Biodynamics New Zealand will bring together, fresh energy, bold ideas and inspiring voices from across Aotearoa for our Biodynamic Conference – New Seeds: Growing the future of Biodynamics.

The conference will be held at the Christchurch Rudolf Steiner School (19 Ombersley Terrace, Opawa, Christchurch), this will be the perfect venue to shine a spotlight on the next generation; the passionate young practitioners and projects shaping the future of biodynamics in our country. We are currently working through finalising speakers and workshop options, but rest assured this will be a vibrant conference that you don’t want to miss!

More information, including accomodation guide and ticket options will be coming to the website and a future footnote soon, but for now please do save the date, we would love to see you there!

If you are interested in becoming a valued sponsor of the 2026 conference, please check out the Sponsorship Package PDF

MEDIA STATEMENT: BIODYNAMICS NZ SUPPORTS OANZ IN APPEAL TO PARLIAMENT AGAINST GENE TECH BILL

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Biodynamics New Zealand protests Highly Contentious Gene Tech Bill

New Zealand, October 2025 – The Biodynamic Association of New Zealand (BDNZ) supports Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) in their efforts to disseminate information on the highly contentious Gene Tech Bill; following the profoundly disappointing news that the Government plans to move forward with passing the bill despite the overwhelming public opposition.

BDNZ promotes biodynamic methods to safeguard agricultural, horticultural, farming and animal husbandry in New Zealand; by offering practices that regenerate soils and keep our farmers connected to the land through holistic management practices.

Research has shown time again the highly nutritious value of organic and especially biodynamically produced food is greatly superior; not to mention the softer environmental impact of this more holistic and natural farming method. BDNZ submitted to oppose the Gene Tech bill, seeing the real threats of losing our GE free status to such important export markets as the UK and EU which hold NZ’s organic sector in such high regard.

The proposed amendment to the Bill jeopardises the integrity of our country’s food system; by making New Zealand one of the most deregulated countries in the world for genetic engineering (GE)/genetically modified organisms (GMOs). With a clear lack of success with GE crops and farmed animals anywhere in the world over the past 20 years or more, it is evident that the best path forward for us to continue farming our food more in harmony with and working with the cycles of nature.

After months of hearings and nearly 15,000 public submissions in which 97% opposed the Bill — the Committee has recommended that it be passed, with only minor amendments. Most alarmingly, many MPs, farmers and public are unaware of the full implications of this proposed regime, posing a serious challenge as this new bill could significantly damage our agricultural landscape.

Furthermore, despite overwhelming public opposition, along with serious, legitimate concerns raised by scientists, farmers and consumers, the government continues to push the proposed Bill that will turn New Zealand into a mecca for unethical and unregulated genetic modification practices.

“We stand with OANZ and the wider organics community in protest against this Bill, which threatens not only New Zealand’s food Sovereignty, but also our internationally recognised status as producers of high quality sustainable and organic products”, said BDNZ Council Chair, Bridget Henderson. “We’re also incredibly grateful for the tireless energy and ongoing efforts that OANZ has put into opposing this bill on behalf of the extended organic community in Aotearoa”.

The Government is prioritising an update to a Bill in favour of scientific development that could make New Zealand farms more productive; while in fact contradicting themselves by removing appropriate protections for the environment including the right of food producers to be free from novel genetic contamination.

BDNZ’s Key Concerns with the Gene Tech Bill include:

  • The proposed legislation does not require decision-makers to take a precautionary approach
  • There is no protection for farmers wishing to maintain GE-free status
  • Proposed legislation does not require the consideration of ethics in the use of gene technology
  • The Bill could eliminate clear labelling, denying consumers right to choose GE-Free products by removing traceability of gene-edited product
  • The legislation removes the right of local councils for their areas to remain GE-free

The proposed amendments, overall, threaten New Zealand’s 100% proposition to the world. It is impossible to practice coexistence between GE and non-GE systems; and the lack of regulation proposed in the Gene Tech Bill will result in loss of integrity and biosecurity that we work so hard to maintain in New Zealand.

BDNZ agrees that the Bill requires a significant update, but calls on the National Party and its coalition partners to seek additional public consultation prior to advancing with the proposed amendments. BDNZ encourages members of the association and invested individuals to contact their local MPs. A detailed guide can be found at www.oanz.org/gefree-future-activation-toolkit.

About Biodynamics Association of New Zealand: The Bio Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association in New Zealand (Inc) was formed in 1939 to promote biodynamic methods. Our objectives are to foster, guide and safeguard in New Zealand the biodynamic approach to agriculture, horticulture, forestry and animal husbandry initiated by Rudolf Steiner in 1924 and practised progressively since. Membership is open to anyone interested in growing or farming biodynamically. Our membership currently includes farmers, viticulturalists, processors, orchardists, commercial and home gardeners.

Media Contact:

Jayne Craig

marketing@biodynamics.org.nz

Please head to Organics Aotearoa New Zealand to find letter writing templates, information and resources and to download the helpful Activation Toolkit

Kind regards, the council of Biodynamics New Zealand

Help Grow the Future – Give a Little Today!

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Biodynamic New Zealand is more than just an association — it’s a living, growing community rooted in care for the earth and the future of farming. Biodynamics goes beyond organic, by recognising the farm or garden as a living organism, interconnected with the wider environment, lunar and planetary cycles. Practiced globally for over 100 years, biodynamics supports soil regeneration, nutrient-rich food, and thriving ecosystems.

The work we do here at BDNZ is vital to help create a thriving biodynamic community here in Aotearoa. Through BDNZ we are able to plan events that introduces and encourages people in the wider community to try biodynamics and create resources that will help support those on their biodynamic journey.

Our work includes:

– Education: Workshops & resources to build knowledge & skills in biodynamic gardening & farming.

– Membership Community: A supportive nationwide network for individuals and enterprises committed to sustainable food systems.

– Preparations & Resources: Access to biodynamic preparations, calendars, and practical guides

– Publications: Harvests magazine, sharing stories, research, and inspiration from the biodynamic and organic movement.

– Advocacy & Support: Promoting biodynamics as a practical solution for soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

Whether you are a home gardener, a commercial grower, or simply curious about living more sustainably, Biodynamic New Zealand provides tools, knowledge, and community to help you reconnect with the land and grow in harmony with nature.

To that end, we are pleased to announce our new Give a little campaign,

By giving a little, you can help us do a lot:

  • Support new farmers and gardeners
  • Nurture biodynamic practices
  • Keep this vital impulse alive for the next generation.

Your generosity helps us to remain financially sustainable and ensures that our network of passionate, like-minded individuals can continue to grow, thrive, and regenerate the land together. Where soil meets soul – Te tūtakitanga o te wairua ki te whenua.

To donate, please click here, we thank you for your support.

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!

We Need Your Help!

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The future of organics and biodynamics within New Zealand is currently facing a HUGE challenge to its future, in the form of The Gene Technology Bill.

This bill was drafted to facilitate the development of a global GMO sector in New Zealand and was presented to parliament in December.

If passed New Zealand will become the most deregulated and permissive country in the world with regard to the environmental release of novel, genetically modified organisms and the use gene-editing applications in our food production systems. If passed our ability produce and market natural, unmodified foods will be critically impacted.  

Key aspects of the Bill include:   

Deregulation to facilitate full development and release of genetically modified organisms and applications in our natural and productive environments

Removal of the ability for communities or regions to declare themselves “GE Free Zones”

Redefinition of legal terms to effectively remove labelling and traceability of GMO’s within our production and food systems

Removal of the precautionary principle from legal and regulatory considerations 

This is a huge concern to the future of organics and biodynamics here in New Zealand, so we are calling on our community to come together to protect our future, by taking action to stop the Gene Tech Bill.

Our friends at Organics Aotearoa New Zealand have compiled a fantastic GE Free Activation Tool Kit to help you make your submission, organise your local community and to spread the word.

They also have a donation fund which you can contribute to. The money raised goes towards helping support fund a national campaign raising awareness about the risks of GE policy changes.

Any action you can take, large or small, will help make a difference to keeping our future GE Free!

Enjoy the last month of 2024!

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And as we move into the last half of December, we thought we would share a few key dates that maybe of interest to you.

Summer Solstice, Saturday 21st December is an ascending fruit day. This is a great time to get your Biodynamic community together for a BBQ and to share some yummy, expressive libations.  If you’re in a region of the country that is experiencing cooler soils you might still be lifting horns; root days, especially Taurus are nice days to work with the soil. 

The Ascending Scorpio moon around the 23rd to the 25th could also work well for lifting horns.  It’s also nice to plan ahead to put 501 on vines in January to improve seed hardening.  Just be careful not to do it when it’s too hot!

For many of us around the country, December has been gifting us with soaring temperatures and lots of summer sun. These hot days provide us with the perfect excuse to seek shelter under the shade of a tree to cool down and to sit and observe the garden/farm/soil for a while.

While we are enjoying the shade, we might like to reflect back on the year and record what worked really well in our gardens, what crops flourished, what may not have gone to plan and to also outline our plans for the garden/farm/vineyard as we get ready to move into 2025.

The council and team members of Biodynamics New Zealand would also like to take this time to wish you, the valued members of our biodynamic community (as well as your families and friends), a peaceful and relaxing Christmas/festive season.

Thank you all, for your support, aroha and for those in our membership, thank you for helping to build a beautiful, thriving biodynamic community, here in Aotearoa.

Enjoy the final month of 2024 and we look forward to sharing more biodynamic news and events in the New Year!

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Soil ~ Soul ~ Social Conference Celebrating 100 Years of Biodynamics

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We invite you to join us in the beautiful Hawkes Bay May 4-5th during organic week to celebrate the biodynamic community and the agriculture course birthed 100 years ago.

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Intro to Biodynamic Gardening

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Begin your biodynamic journey with Katrina and Monique

Always wondered about biodynamics and what it’s all about?! This is the workshop for you.

Biodynamics New Zealand is excited to present this opportunity for the wider biodynamics community to learn about how to harness this incredible philosophy – tell your friends and family!

Join Katrina Wolff and Monique Macfarlane (on the full moon!) for this 90min online workshop taking you through the what, how and why of biodynamic gardening.

Zoom Online Workshop on Monday the 6th of February at 7pm.

Questions that we will answer;

  • Where to start with biodynamics in your garden?
  • How is biodynamic compost different to normal compost?
  • What difference gardening with biodynamic philosophy can make to your plants and vegetables?
  • What are biodynamic preps and where can you get them from?
  • How to begin your gardening with the moon?
BUY YOUR TICKET

Members of Biodynamics New Zealand receive a discount so check your email or reach out to us at marketing@biodynamic.org.nz to find out the discount code.

preparation 500

Earthly Greens Takaka Workshop

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Here’s a quick summary from Tony Hudson on his recent workshop in East Takaka, Golden Bay

We all had a great time and we nearly did the whole property of 20acres! The fermented poo came out really well. So pleased about this.

Tony Hudson
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