Talking Taiao

Today, Jen is discussing with us all the events you should NOT miss during the Sustainable Backyards, Builds & Farm Trails! This year there are SO many tips to reduce your bills. Energy, supermarket, garden centre, pharmacy: our 2026 hosts have a lot to share with you! Visit www.sustainablebackyards.org.nz to explore all the events and properties!

Being able to make our own food was not only cheap but also SO empowering that it would change your life, people's lives around you and the world? In this episode we meet with Franziska, sourdough bread and kombucha maker, from the now famous Bumblebee Bakery. Learn more on www.bumblebeebakery.co.nz and you can book tickets for her two events (and more!) on explore.sustainabletrails.org.nz

What makes a landscape healing, and a home healthy? Sophie talks with Bena Denton of Greenbridge (www.greenbridge.co.nz/) about her journey into ecological landscape design and the philosophy behind creating regenerative landscapes and healthy homes. There's also a korero about events being held at Greenbridge during the 2026 Taranaki Sustainable Trails (30 October - 15 November). These include building living soil and growing abundant fruit trees with Kath Irvine, to sustainable renovations and healthy building with Dan Woolley. Discover practical ideas to help us create places that nurture whānau, support te taiao and tread a little more lightly on the land. www.sustainabletrails.org.nz/

Get ready for Taranaki Sustainable Trails 2026! (30 October - 15 November). Sophie chats with co-coordinator Suzy Randall about some of this year's exciting new and standout hosts, the stories behind their properties, and what not to miss. Check out the programme, download the app and start planning your sustainable adventure! www.sustainabletrails.org.nz

Behind every garden is a person, a journey and a reason for growing. In this episode, Sophie talks with two of our Taranaki Sustainable Trails garden hosts Mary Mattock of Bluebells and Beetroot and Emma Boyd of Wild Table. Together they share their journey to becoming hosts, the lessons the whenua has taught them, plus the practical skills and sustainable gardening tips they’re sharing with visitors. A kōrero about growing, learning and finding ways to live more lightly with te taiao. Find out more about the sustainable trails at www.sustainabletrails.org.nz 🌿🌱🪏