Past Events

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’.

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.

Experiencing Diversity and Regeneration at New Forest. 

Hella welcomed us at the gate, on the spot where she and her partner Joep stood 15 years ago, looking at bare paddocks, seeing the potential and following their intuition. We walked through the rosehip plantation and along the 12 year old coppiced gum trees in the shelter belt to the old scout hall which was the one original building already there when Hella and Jeop arrived. It is a perfect place for this type of community gathering.

Introduction to Permaculture design process (and ethics/principles) to design your garden and personal life.

Timing is everything!  I am lucky to count both Doris and her daughter Silvia as good friends: I was enjoying a lovely meal with Silvia and said ‘Is your mom planning on doing a permaculture day soon?’ Silvia said she didn’t know, but within 24 hours Doris had sent the invitation for April!  I always enjoy the drive up from Welly and was greeted by Bob, Doris and 15 participants for the first Toru Trail event.