Women in Biodynamics – Celebrating International Women’s Day

/in ,

It was recently International women’s day on March 8th; and this year we wanted to celebrate by spotlighting a few of the fabulous women we have practicing Biodynamics here in Aotearoa. 

From home gardeners, to keen writers and educators, to biodynamic based businesses; these women are out in their communities and are sharing their knowledge and passion for biodynamics and we think that deserves to be celebrated this International Women’s Day.

Of course there are many women out there in our communities doing incredible work to bring Biodynamics to their family, friends and communities (we would have loved to have shone a spotlight on you all) ….we applaud each and every one of you!

Please read on to learn more about each of the women we were  able to feature in our “Women in Biodynamics” social media posts, for International Women’s Day and be sure to check out the links they have shared, so that you can further learn from them and support the work they do.

Katrina Wolff:

Katrina has been mesmerised by biodynamic gardening since discovering it in 2009 when her two children were at the Titirangi Rudolf Steiner School. She blended her hobby of gardening with other anthroposophical studies until she started Blue Borage in 2018 with the hopes of helping bring biodynamic methods (especially composting) into mainstream gardening and urban waste management practices. 

She’s in the 2025 ‘top 50 women in food and drink’ with Cuisine Magazine, and in the ‘Next 95’ with the Sustainable Business Network. Her current focus is exploring how the plants used in the biodynamic compost preparations can be used to make a simple floral compost activator, following the work of Maye Bruce (1879-1964), you can listen to her talk about this with Kate Heming Panchal from the JPI Institute on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/bxxMrsqvry4?si=jeTNbd2XGroFP7bQ

If you’d like to learn more about this research, then there are links in this blog post: https://blueborage.podia.com/blog/floral-compost-activator

Katrina’s often out in the community teaching composting workshops, and is the garden coach for Ceres Organics in Auckland. Her wide range of online courses are designed to help beginners find ways for biodynamics to make sense in their home, workplace, school and community. Look out for a new series soon on ‘Closing the Loop: the Art of Composting’

Please follow on LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube for updates, or sign up for her weekly emails to see the latest offerings from Blue Borage. 

www.blueborage.co.nz

Gita Krenek:

Gita shares: “My biodynamic journey began in 1979 when my husband and I took over a sheep farm in North Canterbury and converted it to biodynamics. Over a few years, we introduced cattle and grain growing into the mix, and built a millhouse so we could start milling our grain and selling to private customers and shops. Twenty five years later it was time to hand over to our son, and I retired to Golden Bay (Top of the South) where I take care of a large vegetable garden, some fruit trees, and a couple of livestock. I also give occasional workshops on biodynamics, and have written a small book on the biodynamic preparations.”

Please keep an eye on the BDNZ web shop for Gitas booklets.

Joanne Turner:

Joanne shares this about her biodynamic journey, “Twenty something years ago, Greg and I moved to our little property and we wanted it to be run organically from the day we arrived.  Greg was interested in biodynamics and I was happy with organics, so it seemed a good fit to be certified with Demeter.  During the first few years Greg did all the preparation work and I did all the paperwork.   As I was working fulltime on the property I would be making compost heaps during the week, but Greg wouldn’t get round to adding the preparations until the weekend.  I decided it was time I took over that task.  I also used to help with the stirring of preparation 500 and 501 but not the application.  My thinking of this also changed and I now help with the application.  I felt that I was not fully being a part of the farm and needed to be involved with the preparation work.  It’s a wonderful feeling to be using the preparations and to feel connected to the organism that is Woodhouse Farm Organics.  I still do all the paperwork.”

Please check out Woodhouse Farm Organics here https://woodhousefarmorganics.co.nz/

Su Hoskin:

Su Hoskin has spent two decades practicing biodynamic farming principles on a mixed farm, vineyards and on her home gardens and allotment. She is a trustee and active member of The Hawea Food Forest and community gardens and Co-hosts the Wanaka Death Café where her affinity is advocating for environmentally sound burial practices and a more holistic approach to end of life matters.

Her training at Taruna, in 2005 gained her a certificate in Applied Organics and Biodynamics. She later went on to help facilitate the same course in her own region, Central Otago in the South Island.

Between 2015 and 2018, She completed a term on the New Zealand Biodynamic Associations Council, Education Coordinator and was a trustee on the Kete Ora Trust for many years.

For those interested in learning more about Su Hoskin,  please check out Biodynamic Community Aotearoa,https://www.facebook.com/groups/768457823177333

Hawea Food Forest https://www.facebook.com/groups/3051328904899592

and Wanaka Death Cafe https://www.facebook.com/groups/1170353396645132

Jan Koberstein:

Jan has this to share about her journey into biodynamics, “I was introduced to biodynamics 25 years ago when our children joined the Tauranga Rudolf Steiner kindergarten.   Biodynamics so resonated with me and my learning journey with biodynamics began.  I practiced biodynamics developing big gardens with lots of fruit trees as we moved properties a few times.  I completed the Taruna Certificate of Applied Organics & Biodynamics in 2009 with intentions of bigger things.  Wherever I have resided, I have enjoyed connecting with local BD groups and I enjoy organising local get togethers for a BD 500 stir or CPP making etc. I am a co-opted member of the BD Council learning in the ins out outs of keeping the BD Association thriving.    I have recently taken on the Biodynamic Preparation Dispatch Role and library service, so If you are in the Kapiti Coast or Horowhenua area, keep an eye out in the footnote for a get together at my place to open a few library books.”

Monique Macfarlane:

As a holistic food systems facilitator, Monique Macfarlane of Natural Wisdom teaches a variety of workshops within biodynamics, spiritual gardening and planting by the moon. She has spent time growing in many different climatic regions throughout New Zealand, and produces an accessible monthly biodynamic calendar with Soil & Health and Biodynamics NZ. Her heartfelt passion for food, localisation, and thriving nature is the foundation of her incredible offerings – and finds her greatest joy in helping people back to the land, and themselves. 

Monique has also just recently returned from the Goetheanum in Switzerland, where she presented a keynote lecture ‘Feeling the Earth as a Living Being’ with Agriculture Section co-leader Eduardo Rincon at Agriculture Conference 2025. Weaving anthroposophy and biodynamics closer together is her current passion, breathing a deeper life into our lands and our practice. 

https://www.natural-wisdom.net/  or https://www.instagram.com/_natural_wisdom_/

Jan Johns: 

Jan on how she came to biodynamics, “A chance meeting and visit( 20 something years ago) from Peter Proctor and Rachel Pomeroy “opened my eyes” to biodynamics.

 Peter said “Don’t let the perfect get in the way, just do it!” It took a little more time!

I completed the Certificate in Applied Organics and Biodynamics through Taruna and then with the enthusiasm of our vigneron, Jeremy Hyland, have been using biodynamic principles in the vineyard since 2018.

We now make all our own preps (often with other members of the local biodynamic community) and our vineyard and wines are showing the benefits.

Peter was right!!”

Bridget Henderson:

Bridget learnt all about Biodynamics while living and working on Shelly Beach Farm, mentored by John Pearce. She continues to practice and promote BD and is currently a BDNZ Councillor.  Bridget is also actively involved with Organic Farm NZ, as regional chair and auditor, as well asTutor of NZ Certificate in Sustainable Primary Production.  Bridget believes in taking every chance to share the BD magic!

Christine Moginie:

Christine Moginie’s love of Nature, Colour and Form, has lead her on a long destiny journey through urban organic gardening and rural lifestyle life in NZ and Australia.

Art, artistic therapy, storytelling, biography counselling, teaching adults and children, meditation, and biodynamics all melded together through studies in Anthroposophy since 1983.

Christine’s businesses “Conversations in Colour Artistic Psychotherapy” and Vortex Biodynamic Gardening Workshops and Consultation, combined with motherhood, and a love of learning, led her to join the BDNZ Council in 2020, and the role of Chair since 2023. Biodynamic preparations as medicines for the Earth .If you would like to connect with Christine and her work we encourage you to follow her @vortexbiodynamics 

Jane Cumberworth:

Jane is active stirring 500 twice a year since being involved in Beehive gardens Hastings 1980s .  She introduced children to 500 stirring at schools too: Hastings 1986, Welcome Bay Waldorf school, 1990s and Motueka Steiner School,2004 to 2016.  Now Jane is involved with groups who organise stirs for the school’s land care group in Robinson Road, Motueka, as well as a group who do 500 stirring and 501 for home gardens.

We Need Your Help!

/in , ,

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!

New Content for YouTube!

/in
Read more

Soil ~ Soul ~ Social Conference Celebrating 100 Years of Biodynamics

/in , ,

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.

Read more

Road to Regeneration with Zach Bush

/in

By Christine Moginie

Road to Regeneration – Sunday 12th November 2023 at the ASB Viaduct Theatre in Auckland with Dr Zach Bush Farmers Footprint , Nicole Masters Integrity Soils, Dr Hugh Jellie Ata Regenerative, Te Rangikaheke Kiripatea Kai Rotorua, Tre Cates nRythm, and Angela Clifford The Food Farm/Eat WellNZ 

Fresh from a sold out 800 plus attendance event in Byron Bay NSW “Reconnect” with Charlie Arnott, Joost Bakker, and others on the Saturday, Zach Bush MD joined the line up to inspire those looking for answers to the “where to now?” question, and to launch his charity Farmers Footprint NZ.  

Organisied by Hugh’s marvellous all girl team Fran Baxter (daughter of Kaye), and Amber Rose, the VIP Meet and Greet with Zach before the main event, had around 40 people turn up for networking, canapes and wine, and to enjoy a seriously heartfelt shared hug with Zach. This was also the opportunity to hand him a copy of our latest Harvests Magazine, and discuss a little about Biodynamics in NZ.  

Also to talk with Geoff Ross and his manager/guide Richie from Lake Hawea Station in Central Otago who Charlie interviewed and stayed with before the Feilding Conference this year. 

Not surprisingly Zach finds while hugging his patients, that he can often experience, and diagnose what is going on for them, and why they are coming to see him. Somewhat different to the standard inevitable – “What are you coming to see me for” question I get on visiting medical practitioners!

This already set the scene for understanding how this remarkable man has been inspiring people around the world for some time now. In my limited experience, the ability to not only competently share scientific and medical knowledge, statistics, and research; but also deep spiritual experiences, knowledge, and wisdom in the same presentation is rare. 

There is a humbleness not often associated with the movers and shakers on the Global stage, who rub shoulders with politicians, corporates, and other FP’s (Famous People). The range of topics he covered was vast and extensive …look him up there’s lots of content available online, and Charlie Arnott has interviewed him in his Regenerative Podcasts. 

“Glysophate literally puts out the 10,000 x brighter than the sun light that michochondria and bacteria shine in the cells of all living things”.  

“Since the 1970’s all the drugs that have been manufactured since marijuana, to cocaine, MDMA, Ecstasy, and P etc, have been introduced to completely control the population, and have shut down the human nervous system completely.” 

“We are our own best tormentors if we keep on flipping the victim/perpetrator coin that constantly destroys everything that Nature has created, and the world is built on this long established pattern” 

“Stories shape our realities. Fear, guilt and shame will be transformed when we truly experience the pain, and feel not just the emotion but the true feeling as a whole. The future we can feel and know in our hearts will create our new world”. 

The main impression shared with the uplifting energy /being that filled the auditorium when Zach mentioned his experience in France at the Mary Magdalene/Mother Mary caves, is of a human being who is walking the talk, connecting like-minded souls around the world, very much in touch with his Higher Spirit Self. 

250 plus people attended the main event and Nicole Master’s storytelling, and history of dealing personally with the effects of paraquot chemical poisoning, and associated health issues from growing up playing in the biofuel runoff near Whenuapai Airforce base as a child, was a poignant reminder of NZ’s crazy love affair with chemical fertilisers and big Pharma products. 

Her 2 x sold out Integrity Soil based events organised by Soilsisters, are currently drawing much interest in NZ while she is here, and also around the world. A signed copy of Nicole’s excellent book “For the Love of Soil” will soon be available to borrow from BDNZ’s resource library….when I’ve finished reading it! 

“The first step is to dig a hole, get to know the root system”. “Biologically alive soils reconnect us to the landscape of life”. 

Dr Hugh Jellie realised that there had to be other ways to naturally support and work with animal health during his long career as a Vet, when a farmer client commented on how he couldn’t see that the health of his cows had deteriorated due to the increase of chemical fertilisers, and they looked fine. Hugh’s view was the opposite and so he started Ata Regenerative to educate others. 

Te Rangiheke’s warm hearted stories about growing kumuera for and with his whanau, working with students at local high schools, and inspiring community based projects in and around Rotorua through his work with Rotorua Kai, were interspersed with sharing his Redband gumboots with Angela Clifford though her sandals didn’t fit him or go too well with his outfit…He’s quietly observed how even the most difficult characters become transformed while having their hands and feet in the soil. 

Angela Clifford was the delightful MC and grows food on her permaculture Farm, showing people not only how to grow healthy, nutrient dense food, but also how to cook it. 

A lot of what I heard, I knew already, and while it was inspiring and uplifting and supportive,  knowing there is movement within the conventional agricultural realms, I wonder what the difference really is between Regenerative, Organic, Permaculture, and Biodynamics?  

The question that resonates most for me is would 250 plus people pay $195 to attend one of our BD events, and $350 for a VIP meet and greet?  

Who are BD’s Zach Bush’s and Nicole Masters? How do we best inspire others to step into Biodynamics? What do we need to change to meet this change in the world? Food for thought.

Biodynamics Council

New Marketing Team for BDNZ

/in

We’re stoked to introduce our newest team members! Jodi and Jayne are coming on board to replace Laura and take Biodynamics New Zealand forward into 2024 which includes our momentous 100-Year Anniversary Celebrations.

Jodi van der Vliet – Marketing and Content Creation

Jodi joins us with a background in sustainability and ethical marketing, previously working for Fairtrade Australia & New Zealand as their Marketing & Digital Communications Advisor. During her time at Fairtrade Jodi traveled to Rishikesh, India to complete her 200 hour yoga teacher training certification. The yogic philosophy and teachings underpin Jodi’s approach to life and her work.

Jodi’s most recent role as Marketing Director for market research agency Kantar largely focused on sustainability. A highlight of Jodi’s time at Kantar was developing and launching the Better Futures report in partnership with the Sustainable Business Council for three consecutive years. Jodi is excited to expand her knowledge in Biodynamics and apply the teachings to her own semi-rural garden in Waihi, where she lives with her husband and their 1 year old daughter Sophia.

Jayne Craig – Social Media and 100-Years Coordinator

Jayne comes to us fresh from her previous role, working for an international coaching company, where she oversaw both the copy writing for social media and client campaigns, as well as supporting two international coaching programs to ensure client success.

Jayne has a background in Permaculture Design, as well as Naturopathy and Herbal Medicine.  She lives in the beautiful Hawkes Bay, where she lives with her family and has a thriving garden growing a variety of fruit trees and medicinal herbs on what was the original Weleda grounds; and is looking forward to learning from  and connecting with the biodynamic community.

Traditional Māori Agriculture and Biodynamics

/in , , , ,
Harvest Article – Summer 2020

The following piece is an excerpt from The Autumn/Winter issue of Harvests 2021. For access to the preparations, twice yearly Harvests Magazine and to participate in monthly Zoom gatherings, become a member of Biodynamics New Zealand.

By Tyne-Marie Nelson

In 2015, Tyne-Marie Nelson undertook a research project to identify resonances between biodynamic farming and traditional Māori methods of agriculture. The project was supported by Taruna College and funded by Te Kete Ora Trust. Sections of that work are reprinted by permission here.

Read more

Reflections on the International Agricultural Conference 2023

/in

Check out the Reflections on Agriculture as a Cultural Impulse. Interesting to take note of these reflections as we move into preparing for the 100 Year Anniversary which is next year!

See more videos and more reflections on the Section for Agriculture site here

Read more about the international Agriculture Conference 23

Biodynamics Conference 2023

/in ,

What a fabulous weekend! Three days of learning, inspiration and connection 🙂

Here’s what one attendee said ->

“It was incredible to be able to connect with everyone! In the beginning everyone was basically strangers, and by the end I knew so many people! The food was fab and the range of speakers was great. Also loved to get some of the older BD magazines”

Pre-Conference Introductory Workshop

The Pre-Conference Introductory Workshop was the first (unofficial) day of this year’s Biodynamics Conference and it was hosted by Joanne and Greg Turner at Woodhouse Farm Organics.

Rachel Pomeroy and Katrina Wolff were our tutors for the day, and we started with Rachel taking us through a bit of the background of Steiner’s the Agriculture Course. Katrina then takes us through the preparations.

A great overview for anyone new to biodynamics!

We then got the group outside to start building the biodynamic compost! You can see everyone standing around the work of art that was created 🙂

If you scroll to the bottom of the page, you can check out a few short snippets of the wisdom and inspiration that Rachel and Katrina shared at this workshop.

Conference Day One

After a productive Pre-Conference Workshop – it was time to dive into the Biodynamics Conference proper. On Saturday we heard from speakers; Gary Williams, Dieter Proebst, Kaitlyn Lamb, Peter Bacchus and Andrew Criglington.

Attendees were particularly inspired by Kaitlyn, our youngest speaker who shared her story and journey with composting and biodynamics. Kaitlyn became interested after being introduced via Katrina’s social media – Blue Borage.

Charlie was the last speaker of the day and he surprised us by doing a short interview with Rachel Pomeroy! Giving us a little laster of what his podcast – The Regenerative Journey – is like.

“Loved Charlie Arnott, Kaitlyn and the homeopathic speakers.”

Joanne Turner introducing the first speaker of the day
Gary Williams speaking on Regenerative Practices for Land and Water
Dieter Proebst speaking on Permaculture
Katrina Wolff introducing our youngest speaker Kaitlyn Lamb
Joanne thanking Kaitlyn for her presentation – ‘Finding My Ikaigai’
Peter Bacchus speaking on homeopathy
Andrew Criglington speaking on homeopathy
Charlie Arnott speaking on the Power of Connection
Charlie Arnott interviewing Rachel Pomeroy

Conference Day Two

The final day started with some yoga and meditation for those who wanted to join, then we got straight back into it! Charlie took Sunday’s first session on ‘Why Regenerative Agriculture Matters – Lessons from my Farming Journey’.

Monique Macfarlane took us through her inspiring journey and ‘The grounding perspective of the interconnectedness of everything’. And last, but certainly not least, was Cathy Tait-Jamieson with a poignant story about her journey with BioFarm and learnings from incorporating the philosophy of Hua Parakore.

Sunday wrapped up with some group collaboration and brainstorming. We gathered in our regional groups to talk about the best ways to connect and work together. Some great ideas came out of this session!

If you weren’t at conference but have some ideas – please feel free to fire them through to Laura marketing@biodynamic.org.nz. Especially as we have the 100 year anniversary coming up next year…

Attendee feedback

“Hearing the younger members giving talks, bringing up the real needs and renewal of Biodynamics. The conversation night was such a brilliant idea, an amazing evening!”

“The connections I made! All the people I was able to talk to! Such great people!”

“Very good and interesting presentations.”

Christine taking the opening verse prior to Charlie’s second session
Monique speaker on her journey into biodynamics
Cathy Tait-Jamieson
All the speakers and Council Members involved!

Video Snippets from Katrina and Rachel at the Pre-Conference Workshop

BDNZ Council – We need your help!

/in

Many of our Council Members this year are finishing their three-year tenure. We’re looking for a few more nominations to join the Biodynamics New Zealand Council.

At this pivotal time, don’t miss your opportunity to steer the biodynamics movement in Aotearoa.

And with the 100 Year Anniversary of Steiner’s lectures coming up next year – there’s lots to get involved in and leave your mark.

What’s involved with being in the Biodynamics New Zealand Council?

Being a BDNZ Council member is the role of governance of the Association. The council guide the vision, strategy and decisions of the Association.

This involves discussing and making decisions on issues affecting the Association. The operations manager manages the staff and the everyday operations. The Council provide support and guidance where necessary.
Being a Council member involves attending monthly online meetings which take a couple of hours, which are usually held at 6:00 on Wednesday.

Here’s what our current Council members have said about their time contributing to Biodynamics New Zealand.

For me it’s been getting to know people better, and to feel part of an association I believe in and care about. I came on wanting to represent home gardeners, and do a little more for newer members who are at the beginning of their journey with biodynamics. I was curious about whether it would be possible to reach out to other organisations like the education sector, the business community, and a range of anthroposophical groups.

It’s been a fascinating three years, and I truly value the time I’ve spent with my colleagues, people who are now more like friends.

I wholeheartedly encourage other members to take their turn on the council for the association. We need everyone’s interests to be represented, and because as a group we’re such a diverse bunch of people, it’ll be a different looking council with each newcomer who steps up to be of service.

I thank you in advance for your dedication to biodynamics in New Zealand alongside all that you do in your local community.

-> Katrina Wolff

Highlights for me have been the sense of camarderie, commitment, and respect that has been built between us all on Council, as we strove to forge a new positive focus and strategy for BDNZ through extremely challenging situations over the past 2 ½ years.

There have been some truly difficult decisions that needed to be made, yet we found the courage to support each other, and step forward together as a real team with vast amounts of humour, and goodwill, oiling the process.

There is no doubt that the hundreds of hours of volunteered time, we shouldered without having a secretary or manager, has been well utilised. 

This has built a good strong platform for the new Council members to be able to focus now just on Governance, while moving into the second stage of the Strategic plan with a wonderful Operational management team onboard.

-> Christine Moginie

We are a diverse group of individuals in different areas, to help shape what you would like, get on board, it has not been “hard work” rather getting things done and challenging but rewarding… To have an association we need a solid council. I’m really looking forward to working with others. 

-> Mark Longworth

How to nominate someone:

For nominations to be accepted, please submit: 

  • A signed statement of nomination from two financial members of the Association, one nominator and one being Seconder.
  • A signed statement of acceptance from the nominee.
  • Email this nomination and signed acceptance to Bryony – operations@biodynamic.org.nz

Those nominated or nominating should also submit:

  • A 250 word statement for publication by the nominee or nominator of as to the nominated’s background history, including any strategic experience with a national organisation and/or governance strength, the skillsets they can offer and a note of their aspirations for their term in office. *This statement shall not contain untrue or defamatory material and will be shortened if it exceeds 250 words.
  • A photograph of the nominee for publication if the candidate so wishes.