The Eastern Field

01/06/2026

I'm going offline 🛜

I am very blessed to have minimal access to the internet out here on the new property.

As a grower, I sometimes feel torn between two worlds. One is a traditional way of being that I am most drawn to, and allows for more connection to nature. The other is a modern way of being that allows for more connection to people, but that I can get easily distracted by.

When too much focus is given either world, I can feel out of balance and try to make up for it by taking time away from myself.

So I am very grateful that this new space is mostly out of service, where I will be able to shift my attention to harmoniously caring for the land, to myself, and to others.

I will still be here, but just a little less active online and may take a bit longer to respond.

25/05/2026

The propagation greenhouse is up 🌱

After a few solid days of mahi over a couple of weeks, I finally got my rusty old greenhouse up and ready to use.

This greenhouse has already lived a few lives. It was passed from Silvio to Egon at Abundant Backyards, and now to me. I never got the chance to meet Silvio, but I’m glad to be continuing on his legacy by growing for the Tauranga community and beyond.

With this part of the setup complete, I can officially start moving over to the new space. Once everything’s shifted over, the next step will be installing the bottom walls, end walls, and doors so I can finally fill it with seedlings!

22/05/2026

My biggest lessons from the year 🌱

This year I lost 100m2 of garlic and shallot seed that I had been saving for years, all because I didn't take into consideration my capacity across all seasons.

I am, however, very grateful to understand myself, my ambitions, and limits a little more!

# gardeningnz

20/05/2026

A BIG thank you & goodbye to Whakatāne 👋

I will be moving away in a couple of weeks’ time, and wanted to share my deepest gratitude to everyone for all of your support since being here.

Two years ago I moved here from Rotorua, and was immediately welcomed in with open arms by the community. Both myself and my mahi were truly seen and appreciated here, with deep roots of traditional ways of being embedded in the culture and hearts of the local people.

Thank you to Lorraine and the team at Whakatane Organics for kindly offering the seedlings at the store; to Naomi at the Whakatāne Sunday Market for giving me space at the markets and continually cheering me on; to Peter and Louise Shaw for being hugely inspiring, encouraging, and incredibly helpful; and to all the friends I’ve made along the way for keeping me grounded and sane!

It is bittersweet to be leaving, and reflects the unromanticised reality of being a grower working on other people’s land. But it is also a reminder of the impermanence and duality of everything, and of the beauty that change can bring, which is what brought me over to Whakatāne in the first place.

Thank you all so much for sharing a part of yourselves with me. I’m incredibly grateful to have spent the past two years living, learning, and growing here.

I am now relocating to Redwood Valley Farm in Paengaroa with Chrissi and Marty from The Daily, where I can connect with more like-minded people and continue to grow, educate, and collaborate with others to strengthen local food systems and help build more resilient communities.

It's not too far away, so please feel free to come and visit me there and check out the beautiful property.

For those wanting to continue supporting my mahi and growing quality food, Te Kōhanga Kai - The Food Nest and I have teamed up to offer seedling subscription boxes — a thoughtfully curated selection of seasonal vegetables, flowers, and herb seedlings delivered to your door each month.

For more information, please visit Rooted & Rising Aotearoa.

Bring on the next chapter 🌱🍅🥕

11/05/2026

Designing my off-grid section 📏☀🍃

This bare paddock is soon to come alive as I transform it into a thriving seed saving garden, plant nursery, and humble home.

The initial design is based around the natural elements, my movement across the land, access, and future developments.

With these factors in mind, I am able to map out the initial placements of infrastructure and garden areas, and use it as a foundation to build upon.

The next step is putting up the propagation greenhouse!

08/05/2026

Over the past two weeks, Te Aroha & I have been working round the clock to get the website up and the subscriptions open, and it is now officially live!

Our seedling boxes come in three different sizes and can be purchased as a one off, or on a reoccurring basis to suit you and your gardens needs.

Check out our website at www.rootedandrisingaotearoa.com for more details and to subscribe.

We look forward to growing with you! 🌱

Send a message to learn more

07/05/2026

Tomorrow is launching day!

04/05/2026

Does anyone have connections the the 'custom cardboard box' world?

We are looking to purchase a small amount of boxes initially that are at an affordable price. These boxes will keep our Rooted & Rising Aotearoa seedlings safe while being couriered.

Any leads would be helpful! 🌱

25/01/2026

Upcoming Propagation Workshop 🌱

I will be running a propagation workshop at Kai Rotorua , where we will explore the principles and practice of seed propagation through theory, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.

This workshop is designed for beginner to intermediate gardeners and will cover:

• Basic seed theory
• How to make a high-quality seed raising mix
• Selecting appropriate seeds and propagation methods for different plants and conditions
• Correct sowing techniques, including depth, spacing, and labeling
• Seedling care, including watering, light, temperature, and transplanting
• Identifying and troubleshooting common problems, such as poor germination, leggy seedlings, damping-off, and nutrient issues

By the end of the workshop, participants will gain a clear understanding of seed propagation principles and leave with their own newly sown seedlings, along with the knowledge and confidence to continue growing at home.

When: Saturday, February 14th / 1pm - 3pm (inc. afternoon tea)
Where: 540 Kaharoa Road, Hamurana, Rotorua, 3096

Register for the workshop here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFQa305BzzmyfI3399O0QFoOBzjmqKGsYm6neRWkFkHSVSkA/viewform?syclid=d5r704bqj7bs73e13490&pli=1