Our land is a productive smallholding on the shores of the Manukau Harbour, south-west of Auckland, in Aotearoa-New Zealand. We grow organic vegetables, herbs, nuts and fruit, lush subtropicals from South America and the Pacific and timber trees, both exotic and natives. >

We are passionate about Aotearoa's indigenous vegetation, too - half our land is being replanted with native forest and wetland species, including a special collection of heritage weaving flaxes grown in partnership with Ngaati Te Ata, the original tribal people of this area.

Bird life abounds here - families of quail and pheasant, other introduced garden birds, domestic poultry and guinea fowl, and growing numbers of native birds including piwakawaka, tui, kereru, and riroriro.
 

 WWOOFers from Finland and Australia
 

The people who visit and work here are very diverse. You might meet local Maori people, WWOOFers (Willing Workers On Organic Farms) from one or more of 27 different countries, our family members, friends from our feminist and lesbian networks, local contractors, children, people with disabilities or elders.

We have a wide range of New Zealand art works too, both indoors and outdoors. As you walk around outside you'll also find seats (nine at present) where you can rest, enjoy land and sea views, and reflect.

When we arrived here this land was a bare block - a conventional dry-stock grazing unit - with household gardens and a few trees. We asked a well-known permaculture designer, Kay Baxter, to help us with a design plan.
 

In 2000 we established a small business, earthtalk@awhitu, which offers fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables and preserves, self-guiding walks and guided group visits, placements WWOOFers, other opportunities for work experience, workshops, and assistance in exploring the unique Awhitu Peninsula..

 "Green guides" for group visits
 

 Some of our preserves
 

As well as sharing with visitors our experience in organic growing, permaculture design, land transformation and community change, we provide organic fresh fruit and drinks, and can offer delicious home cooking.