Regenerating for 30 years from bare paddock, Gary and Emily Williams, Manakau

You are invited to hear stories from Gary and Emily about their land, and their approach to regeneration over the last 30 years. They have applied the permaculture approach in many aspects of their life, not just on their land, food production and building but have also taken it into the economic and social sphere. 

In Toru Trail style, you will be greeted into a circle of introductions, and then go and walk their land and find applications of the permaculture principles. You will hear their stories what has worked well and what has been a challenge and make your own observations. There will be an opportunity to get your 'hands dirty' (if you like) by giving a helping hand to a practical task (depending on weather). They will provide a basic soup and bread for lunch, and you are invited to bring something to share that doesn't need preparing (but not essential, so don't feel obliged). There will also be a crop swap table where we practice permaculture approach of reciprocity of 'give and take'; you might enjoy bring seeds, seedling, produce from your garden, and walk away with something unexpected (again, don't feel obliged to contribute). After the lunch, it is sit down time to share reflections and observations, ask questions and share stories, including what Gary and Emily were aiming to achieve and why, their interests and the many practical skills they have learnt along the journey. We imagine and hope you will walk away with many practical ideas, inspirations and new connections. 

Please note the address of 107 South Manakau Road.  Don't use the default Google address, but our actual mail address (107 South Manakau Road, RD 3, Otaki) or it will take you to the neighbours property. Drive down South Manakau Road, all straight, and in the corner of the first bend to the right, look for the large wooden letterbox 107, and take that driveway to your left. Down the driveway, take the central entrance over a cattlestop up to Gary and Emily's place.