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. 

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.

Biodynamic gardening activities for children

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The garden is the perfect playground for children. It provides a space that can help develop both fine and gross motor skills, whilst playing in the soil and observing plants and insects can help introduce elements of biology, maths in a way thats fun and simple. At the same time, the garden provides a space that cultivates a sense of wonder and imagination. In addition to this, the beauty of a biodynamic garden, is that children can explore nature in its natural, organic state, while you can rest assured that you are not exposing your child/ren to any toxic sprays.

So, if you are passionate about biodynamics and are looking to entertain your children, here are 10 activities that are fun, hands-on and encourage kids get outside and connect with nature (while gently introducing the core principles of biodynamics):

1. Moon Phase Planting Calendar Craft:

  • Activity: Create a simple moon phase chart and use it to decide when to plant seeds or carry out simple garden tasks.
    For example: NEW MOON, All of the plants life force is focused down into the root system, making it a great time to prune your plants.
    FULL MOON: Sowing seeds just before the full moon tends to result in good germination.
    This is the perfect craft activity to do on a rug or table outside, or if it’s cold and raining, it can be done inside. All you will need is some markers, paper and perhaps some images of the moon.
  • Teaches: The biodynamic principle of planting in tune with lunar rhythms, whilst also developing fine motor skills.



2. Compost Exploration Station:

  • Activity: Build a child-friendly compost pile. After a few days, let kids explore with magnifying glasses to find worms and decomposers. They could make a list of all the different insects found in the compost heap and later on look them up in books or online to learn more about each creatures diet and lifecycle.
    You can use leaves, cardboard, green waste from the garden, food scraps etc to get your compost heap started.
  • Teaches: Soil health and natural recycling, a key part of biodynamic cycles. This activity also helps foster children’s interest and curiosity in insects and the creatures living around them, whilst developing gross motor skills.



3. Experiment with optimal and non optimal planting days:

  • Activity: Use the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening calendar to identify days that are optimal for planting root crops (e.g. carrots), leaf crops (e.g. lettuce) or days that are best for flowers and plant out the appropriate seeds out accordingly and record how well the seeds germinate, the seedlings health etc. Then you can widen the experiment by planting the same seeds on days that are not optimal (eg: planting carrot seeds on a flower day) and record how this affects the plants health and growth. You may find for example, that the carrot seed planted on a root day develops a big juicy carrot, but the carrot seed planted on the flower day, puts all its energy not into developing a root, but, instead shoots up develop its flower and set seed.
  • Teaches: The influence of cosmic rhythms on different plant parts.



4. Water vortex:

  • Activity: Fill up a big bucket of water and have the children practice stirring the water to create a whirlpool or vortex. Practice breaking the vortex and spinning the water the other way. As your children play with the water you talk to them about adding in biodynamic preparations and how these preparations help plants to grow and thrive.
  • Teaches: Imaginative understanding of biodynamic preparations and gross motor skills.



5. Herbal Tea for the Garden:

  • Activity: Brew a chamomile or nettle “tea” for plants. Let kids help prepare it (please be sure to supervise children around hot water to ensure safety) and once cooled, spray it gently on the garden. In addition, Chamomile can also make a gentle, calming, mild tasting tea for children to enjoy too, just ensure that no child has any known allergies to the asteraceae family. A discussion can be had about the ways plants can give nutrition and healing properties to both humans and other plant life.
  • Teaches: Biodynamic herbal preparations and care for plant vitality.



6. Insect Friends Scavenger Hunt:

  • Activity: Go on a bug hunt to find pollinators and beneficial insects. Create an “insect hotel” for them. Insect hotels can be easily created by using materials such as rocks, wood, twigs, pinecones, bricks etc and stacking them up agains a wall. An alternative or bonus activity could be to research what types of flowers and herbs are the most attractive to our pollinator friends and plant them out in the garden or in pots to attract these insects in.
  • Teaches: Fosters an interest in Biodiversity and ecosystem balance.



7. Harvest & Seasonal Feast:

  • Activity: Harvest vegetables and herbs, then make a seasonal salad or soup together. This activity is very helpful in getting fussy eaters to try new vegetables, by involving them in the act of harvesting and preparing food.


Teaches: Seasonal awareness and farm-to-table mindfulness.

8. Nature Mandalas with Garden Finds:

  • Activity: Gather leaves, petals, pinecones, seeds, etc and arrange them in circular mandalas. If you are near a beach, you may wish to include items like shells, seaweed, drift wood and feathers.
  • Teaches: Patterns in nature and holistic design (connected to biodynamic harmony).️

9. Blessing the Garden Ritual:

  • Activity: Let children help create a simple ritual or song to “bless” the garden before planting or harvesting.
  • Teaches: Connection, intention, and reverence for life- all of which are core to biodynamic philosophy.


10. Garden Journal with Moon & Weather Tracking:

  • Activity: Keep a fun illustrated journal to track things like: moon phases, weather, plant growth, or insects, birds and animals spotted in the garden. Children can get really creative here and use paints, markers, pencils, magazine cut outs, stickers, washi tape etc.
  • Teaches: Observation, rhythm, and recording natural patterns, helps develop fine motor skills.

We hope you enjoy these activities and use them as a spring board to spark your child’s imagination and interest, have fun out there in the garden with your kids!

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!

The healing potential of rose hips 

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In the latest issue of Harvests magazine, Holistic Health Consultant Nic Parkes shared her recipe to make a gentle rose hip glycerite rather than the usual sugar syrup.

Here, she delves deeper into the healing potential of rose hips, observing their qualities through the lens of anthroposophy. Inviting us to follow her journey, she experiments with these unique fruits and uncovers how, when combined with others, they may form a powerful, holistic remedy for both body and spirit. 

Anthroposophy: a path to understanding plants and healing

Anthroposophy, the spiritual science developed by Rudolf Steiner, provides a path to cultivate our spiritual-sensing faculties, starting with developing attention, and an attitude of wonder and gratitude. Steiner described it as “a path of knowledge, which intends to lead what is spiritual in the human being to what is spiritual in the universe”. 

Plants not only serve as food and remedies, but also embody spiritual principles and forces that connect us with the rhythms and energies of nature. They bring the mineral earth to life, with their roots sensing into the earth, and their blossoms and fruit connecting with the warmth and light of the cosmos. Food is a little like a rainbow, a bridge between earth and the cosmos. The human spirit is able to transform the nutrition taken in.  

Much has been written about roses and rose hips. How does an anthroposophic view look? 

A closer study of the rose shows that it bears the sun’s signature. The pentagonal blossom dances with the play of light and darkness. Red roses have the colour of irradiated blood. 

A closer study of the rose shows that it bears the sun’s signature. The pentagonal blossom dances with the play of light and darkness. Red roses have the colour of irradiated blood. 

The Rosaceae family, to which the rose belongs, is the greatest fruit-producing family in the temperate regions, the middle ground between the cold pole and the hot tropics. These fruits of today, apples, strawberries, pears, cherries and more, are all related to the rose, tracing their origins to a common ancestor. 

In anthroposophy, the connection between body and spirit is fundamental to understanding health and well-being. The nutritive qualities of fruit help body and spirit work harmoniously together. The physiological basis of this function is circulation, which Steiner viewed not just as a means of transporting nutrients, but as a vital force linking the physical body to the spiritual realms. The blood alternates between downward densifying (contraction) and upward sublimation (expansion). Fruit feeds the circulatory processes and even has a direct part in making the blood.  

A storehouse of light and vitality

Within the Rosaceae family, there are different groups of fruit, each with different characters. Rose hips, also referred to as haws, are the fruit of the rose. Haws have numerous pistils, all contained within one receptacle. There is a motherly quality of embracing the pistils.  

Radiating out from the receptacle, like rays of light, are the styles, with their bright yellow stigma. Rose hips are rich in Vitamin C, which Rudolf Hauschka, Austrian chemist and anthroposophist, refers to as “latent light” in The Nature of Substance. 

The physical substances found in the fruit of the rose are tannins, some volatile oils, and carotene — the pigment that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis, relating to the dynamics of light. Additionally, it has sugars, pectin, and fruit acids such as malic acid and citric acid, with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) being particularly abundant. The seeds in the fruit contain vanillin, a fatty oil, and silica. At the mineral level, the rose hip is rich in iron, calcium and phosphorus, all of which play important roles in the blood process. 

Unlocking the healing power of rose hips

We’ve analysed the nutritive qualities, but how would I now look to see if a medicine could arise? What is the “one-sidedness?” What pharmaceutical processes are required to bring the plant into the right relationship with the illness process in the human body so that it can address and treat it? Is a compound medicine needed, bringing together different plant parts or substances, and if so, what would the other substances be? For inspiration, I look to the nature around me in my garden and my country, as well as the cosmos. Steiner talked about making preparations from the individual parts of plants and then using them singly or in different combinations to achieve the right healing effect. 

Regarding the rose hip, the special relationship to the sugar process points to using the hips, with seeds removed, to help diabetes. The inversion of the fruiting process in the rose and the direction of the silica process relate to enhanced kidney elimination. Here we would want to use the seeds of the fruit.

The fruit acids, carotene and vitamin C are revitalising. The whole fruit becomes a boosting tonic for the metabolism and brightens the senses bringing equilibrium. What am I looking for here? A way to bring the sun, the light inside, as we go through winter. Winter is the time when we develop our inner light. 

The distillation process to produce a hydrosol, a water-based solution containing the beneficial compounds of plants, using the warmth and water elements, could be useful. I am a fan of mixed distillations using the right still (Alquitar, column or traditional), devices designed to separate the plant’s different compounds through heating and condensation. To find the right ingredients to bring together in the process, I first need to observe and converse with nature’s gifts, research using the tools of natural science, and then bring this together with the spiritual scientific research process. 

I’ve already used rose blossom flowers in my Pounamu/Helianthus oral liquid and Pounamu/Aurum salve, but am now inspired to explore rose hips. When combined with other plants or minerals they could potentially form a powerful, holistic healing remedy. 

Many other Rosaceae family members are used in anthroposophic medicine, like quince, hawthorn, and herb bennet, each addressing different imbalances such as allergies, circulation, and digestion. 

As I continue this exploration, I invite you to follow me as I share future discoveries and formulations that may come to life on my website. I also encourage you to embark on your own journey of discovery through embodied, Goethean-style observation—an approach to understanding nature holistically and intuitively. For more insights, consider exploring Taruna College’s ‘The Art of Well Being’ programme, which includes foundational anthroposophy courses and workshops. 

Nic is the Honorary Treasurer for the Anthroposophical Society in New Zealand and works closely with the International Circle of Treasurers of the General Anthroposophical Society. She is a Holistic Health Consultant with a background in pharmacy, Bowen therapy, and organic growing, and expertise in herbal, homeopathic, and anthroposophic medicine. Nic handcrafts personalised remedies imbued with her spirit at her clinic Healing Lands in Hastings. She has been a member of Biodynamics New Zealand for 25 years. 

www.healinglands.nz  

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