For Immediate Release 

Biodynamics New Zealand Welcomes Dedicated Ministerial Role for Organics 

The Council of the Biodynamics New Zealand (BDNZ) warmly welcomes the Government’s appointment of Mike Butterick MP as Associate Minister of Agriculture – Organics. 

We congratulate Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) and acknowledge the many years of advocacy, relationship building, and sector leadership that have helped bring this significant milestone to fruition. 

This appointment represents an important step forward for the wider organic and regenerative movement in Aotearoa New Zealand. It signals growing recognition of the value that organic and biodynamic farming systems contribute to the health of our soils, ecosystems, food systems, rural communities, and export economy. 

For BDNZ, this announcement reflects increasing momentum towards farming approaches that work in partnership with nature and support long-term environmental and community wellbeing. 

As an organisation that has supported biodynamic practice, education, and certification in New Zealand for decades, we see this development creating opportunities to: 

• Strengthen public understanding of biodynamic and organic farming systems

• Support greater collaboration across the regenerative and organic sectors

• Increase educational opportunities for growers, schools, and communities

• Encourage innovation and research into soil health, biodiversity, and resilient food systems

• Support future pathways for farmers transitioning toward regenerative and certified organic production

• Strengthen New Zealand’s international reputation for high-quality, environmentally responsible food and fibre production 

We believe this appointment creates a stronger platform for sector collaboration and long-term thinking across food and farming systems. Biodynamics has long championed whole-farm thinking, ecological balance, and deep observation of natural systems, and we are encouraged to see wider recognition of these values emerging at a national level. 

Biodynamics New Zealand looks forward to continuing to work alongside growers, educators, certifiers, researchers, communities, and sector partners to support the future of regenerative organic and biodynamic agriculture in Aotearoa. 

ENDS 

About Biodynamics New Zealand (BDNZ) 

The Biodynamics  New Zealand supports biodynamic education, practice, and community across Aotearoa. Through workshops, publications, certification support, events, and grower networks, BDNZ works to strengthen regenerative farming and gardening systems that nurture soil, ecosystems, people, and future generations.