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A half-day gathering in Paekākāriki last weekend offered a vibrant hands-on experience of permaculture principles in action, hosted by Doris and Bob Zuur as part of the Toru Trail initiative. The event, attended by folks from Wellington, the Hutt Valley, and the Kapiti Coast, showcased sustainable gardening practices, soil creation, and community collaboration—providing participants with practical tools to bring permaculture into their own lives.

Last month’s Toru Trail was a celebration of regeneration, of nature’s capacity to heal, of recloaking Papatuanuku.

Toru Trustee Hella Coenen and partner Joep live on 240 acres at the edge of the Tararua Forest Park. A large part of their property has been given back to nature for regeneration into bush since they arrived there 16 years ago. This has been recognised by the QE II Trust, and 97 acres are under a covenant, which means ‘protected in perpetuity’.

Permaculture is a design tool which can find practical applications in your personal life journey, in your garden, your apartment, your farm, your project/business, community, or when planning your next family meal! It encourages an approach of working with the situation in front of you, beginning with mindful observation and a stocktake of what there is.

Our March Toru Trail took place at Matt and Carys Brenins place, a permaculture property in Ōtaki.

Taking a slow, balanced approach to building a sustainable lifestyle was the theme of the day. One of the main take-aways was how much abundance can be created by living in this way.

The first Toru Trail of 2025 took place at Deb and Ray Butterfields place, Tinui Food Forest.

We were welcomed by Deb and Ray in the farm shop with shelves full of preserves, syrups and pickles, on a warm and overcast day. In 2001, the couple moved to an old farm house on the 4 acre bare block of land with their 4 small children.

The last Toru Trail of  2024 took place at Mary Beth and Tony’s homestead, Tierra, a place close to my heart, being where I first experienced permaculture as a wwoofer 5 years ago! 

Over the course of 37 years, what was once a bare, over-grazed dairy pasture has evolved into a vibrant and diverse ecosystem, thriving with life and abundance. Tierra is a living example of how patience, hard work, and permaculture principles can regenerate the land, creating a space that benefits both people and nature.

Fiona Naismith reflects on last weekend’s Toru Trail event, at Mangaroa Farms, where we experienced how working in harmony with the soil microbiome can foster abundant growth and biodiversity. She also shares Mangaroa farmer Cam Dixon’s top tips for soil health and his secrets to nutrient dense food.

On Sunday we had a wonderful sunny visit to Adam and Tink's place in Peka Peka. It's a magical place overlooking Kāpiti Island, with border collies every where and permaculture gardens and a Syntropic food forest surrounding the house. 

Gathering together despite the rain and creating ripples of inspiration, learning and local change.

Our day of permaculture learning on a 30 year old permaculture property. 

Our day started with a cuppa and greeting some new and familiar faces. For me a visit to Gary and Emily’s place is always a special moment as it was the site of so much of my wonderful permaculture learning on the transformational 2021 modular PDC. There is a wonderful write up here for those interested in this style of learning permaculture.