Tag Archive for: biodynamic

Praise for Equisetum (Preparation 508)

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At BDNZ, we passionately believe in the practice of biodynamics and the incredibly beneficial affects the practices and preparations have on the garden, orchard, farm and vineyard. Biodynamics can be tailored to suit all types of properties and climates and we love to hear peoples biodynamic “success stories” and so it is with great delight, that we received the following review from Herb, on how Equisetum has been helping him and his team combat downy mildew.

“Our Climate has changed incredibly on Waiheke Island, we used to have a dry, Mediterranean Climate with dry summers, that has now become much more tropical with lots of summer rainfall. This has brought about much more disease pressure, particularly for powdery and lately more and more for downy mildew. Having discovered a couple of years ago the effect of Equisetum on downy mildew has been a bit of a miracle, and has saved our harvest more than once. The yellowing oil spots on the leaves at early onset of downy literally disappear and the leaves turn green again.

For our 4 Ha Vineyard we make a brew of 200 grams of Equisetum, slowly simmered for one hour in the big stock pot we share with the kitchen, than left to cool overnight. the next day we mix it with water and apply it, some times with a bit of CPP added. The pictures I included above are from our ” Thank you spray” to the Vineyard”

Thank you Herb, for sharing your positive results with Equisetum and your fantastic photos. If you’d like to learn more about Poderi Crisci vineyard, please click here

If you would like to learn more about the biodynamic preparations, please click here to visit our biodynamic preparations page, or check out the booklet from our shop, A Closer Look at the Biodynamic Preparations – What they are, what they do, and why, by Gita Krenek.

For non BDNZ members who would like to try using Equisetum aka Preparation 508, please click here to purchase (BDNZ members please sign into the members only section to make your purchase).

There is also an excellent article on the Goetheanum website, about how biodynamics effects the taste and vitality of wine, which you can read here.

New Seeds: Growing the Future of Biodynamics

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Gather with us for a fantastic weekend spotlighting the next generation of biodynamic practitioners and inspirational projects taking root across Aotearoa.

New Seeds: Growing the Future of Biodynamics, is a conference focused on weaving in fresh ideas with the foundational practices of biodynamics.

Spanning two inspiring days on August 29th and 30th, our conference will be held at the beautiful Christchurch Rudolf Steiner School. With its thoughtfully designed architecture and flourishing organic gardens, this unique venue offers the perfect setting to gather, learn and reconnect as a biodynamic community.

Come and be inspired by a powerful line-up of speakers including Dr Jessica Hutchings, Hamish Mackay, Monique Macfarlane and Dr Leane Makey.

Across the weekend, you’ll enjoy rich conversations, thought-provoking talks and meaningful discussions exploring the future of biodynamic practice.

Alongside the speaker programme, we’re offering a diverse range of hands-on workshops and practical activities, giving you the chance to expand your knowledge and try something new. This year’s workshop hosts include Katrina Wolff, Peter Bacchus, Gita Krenek, and Steve Erikson, ensuring a dynamic and engaging learning experience.

Of course, it’s not just about learning; enjoy delicious food and plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded people who share your passion.

Please click here to read our Event Guide

We’re currently putting the finishing touches on the event guide and full programme, which will be released soon.

A full range of tickets is available, including single-day or full-weekend options, with member and non-member pricing.

Come for the knowledge, stay for the community – we’d love to welcome you.

Purchase your tickets here

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

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!

CULTIVATING CONVERSATIONS

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Biodynamics New Zealand is committed to working together with you to bring learning opportunities, create stronger relationships and build community.

You are invited to collectively engage in our latest educational initiative ‘Cultivating Conversations’.

These FREE (for members of Biodynamics New Zealand) monthly one-hour online meetings offer opportunities to gather with like-minded others and serve as an informal platform for sharing knowledge, inspirations, and aspirations around biodynamic land management.

We will be covering themes which are relevant to seasonal activities and inviting some of our biodynamic champions to the discussions to share their wisdom through regular gatherings. Join us on the third Thursday of every month. Our next session will be on 16th September 2021, 6.30 p.m to 7.30 p.m Pacific Time.

A Zoom link will be sent out closer to the date for members of Biodynamics New Zealand. If you are not currently a member we welcome you to join the Association.

This auspicious time of year lends itself to conversation around compost, tree paste and planning ahead for the Spring season, but will be a general forum for sharing ideas, and insights into all things biodynamic

Bring your questions, thoughts, and viewpoints to this informal gathering hosted by our Education Coordinator, Su Hoskin.  The Education Coordinator program is generously funded by The Kete Ora Trust.

2018 Biodynamic Conference – Water & Light

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The theme for the 2018 Biodynamic Conference is Water and Light.  And what a wonderful place to appreciate both – Central Otago.

The 2018 Biodynamic Conference will take place from Friday, 22nd to Sunday, 24th June 2018.  The first day will be spent at The Orchard Garden in Clyde and moving to Rippon Vineyard for the Saturday and Sunday workshops.

Keynote addresses will be given by Thea Maria Carlson, the newly appointed Executive Director of the American Biodynamic Association (BDA), who will share highlights of the BDA’s recent work in promoting the biodynamic movement in North America.

The second keynote speaker is Ian Trousdell, director of The Foundation for Water.  Ian will talk on the rhythmical dynamic flow and energy of water.

There will be workshops on Maori Star Lore and the Dark Skies, which is appropriate as this is around the time of year that the festival of Matariki is celebrated.  Other talks will cover tree pruning and working with the biodynamic tree paste, along with further talks on water and light.

Mark your calendar now for an inspiring weekend.  Even better, book your flights and accommodation!  The Queenstown Winter Festival is on at the same time so it will be a busy place to get to.  More details and updates will be added here or on our Facebook page in the coming weeks.

(Photo: Rippon)

Organic & Biodynamic Winegrowing Conference 2015

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The inaugural Organic and Biodynamic Winegrowing Conference was held in Blenheim over 8-10 July and by all accounts was a huge success. Su Hoskin shares her impressions.

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2015 Conference Report

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“Small-scale, integrated biodynamic farming” was the theme of our 2015 Conference, held 22-24 May in Kerikeri, Northland.

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