Kia ora

We see the monthly Toru Trail events as the heart beat of Toru Education, together with this monthly newsletter. At these events, we learn in ako style. The Maori word ‘ako’ includes teaching and learning in the same word; we learn from each other, through sharing stories, observations, reflections and experiences.

When visiting properties and listening to the host’s stories, we practice finding practical applications of the permaculture design approach, its ethics and principles. We encourage hosts to share “all the things”, hearing their success and failure stories, and how at times lofty big dreams and some aspirations have to be replaced by reality.

Throughout the days, the reciprocity of learning and teaching happens from the questions and conversations on the margins. The last two Toru Trail events (March and April) were so rich and full, that there was little time left to bring introductory permaculture context for those who were new to this approach. It inspired me to write a brief introduction to the Permaculture Ethics and Principles that can be referred to at future trail events. 

I usually bring along the 13 principles (on cards) to the trail events; we share them out, and participants reflect the experiences of the practical morning through the lens of the permaculture principles. 

Enjoy these principles (you'll find them here) as your friends in your daily life, and your decision making. And stay warm and cozy!

Our purpose is rooted in place: to cultivate learning and connection in our bioregion—through stories, through shared action, and through events that weave these threads into moments of shared meaning.

And in terms of events, we have so much on offer for the next few weeks; permie backyards, winter veg planting, mens connection experiences, edible weeds, yin sound journey, design a suburban garden, compost!, circular economy, fermentation...

So take a moment to check out the beautiful offerings blooming across May and June—workshops, events, and opportunities to learn, connect, and grow together.

And finally, a note on the next few months of Toru Trail events; we have one coming up on the 17th of May at Doris and Bob Zuur's place (see below for details 'Our next Toru Trail event'). 

Next up will be our June event at Peter Davis and Jenny Potaka's place, Trinity Farm on Sunday 15th June. 

After that, we will have a winter break and will resume in August

Ngā mihi o te wā,

Doris, for the Toru Education Trust

P.S. If you’re feeling inspired, pass the word along. Forward this to a friend or neighbour—there’s a little something for everyone.

At the edge of the Tararua Forest Park, last month’s Toru Trail explored a landscape in quiet regeneration. Sixteen years ago, Hella Coenen and Joep began returning their 240-acre property to nature—97 acres now protected by a QEII covenant. Guided by Hella and her friend Jade, we walked forest edges rich with Rongoā wisdom, learning that healing begins at the margins, and that the forest is both medicine and teacher. 

From tea brewed over the fire to harvesting quinces and shelling chestnuts, the day was a hands-on celebration of reciprocity. Hella shared stories of the land—like the Kahikatea Classroom, where children reconnect with nature, and a hillside soon to be planted to support biodiversity. We left inspired by the slow work of restoration, and the reminder that when we listen, nature leads.

"Last month’s Toru Trail was a celebration of regeneration, of nature’s capacity to heal, of recloaking Papatuanuku.

We were taken on a trail of discovery, with Hella and her friend Jade. Jade talked about..."

- Story by Doris Zuur

Will be at Doris and Bob Zuur's place, in Paekākāriki on Saturday 17th May from 10am - 2pm, including lunch.

This Toru Trail wishes to describe a number of possible applications of the permaculture design approach, in the garden, in your projects, in your community and your personal life.

At Doris and Bob’s place, there will surely be lots of talk about compost making and a choice of getting your hands dirty by spreading some rich compost, mulch the fruit tree but this outside practical time will be in balance with inside circle time to bring an introduction to permaculture, and hear about each others’ questions, projects and ideas.

It will include Doris’ description of how she applied the principles as a framework to design your next steps when you come across a ‘what’s next? phase in your personal life. As always, the intention is to further build connections in our bioregion, to support each other, and to learn from each other.

Spaces are limited to the size of the living room, so book your spot soon! We look forward to seeing you there.

We have a humble request of you (yes, you!): please share this newsletter with folks who would like to receive it. We would love it to be read by folks right across the lower north island. 

If you like our vision to connect those who want to learn and get involved in their community projects with those creating and hosting beautiful local events please take a moment to forward this newsletter to all your friends and family who you think might be interested AND ask them to sign up to receive it each month. 

And if someone forwarded this newsletter on to you or sent you the link? Are you interested to stay up to date with our events? Would you like us to promote your events (for free)?

Sign up now! ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

Beverly Jack shares some of her childhood memories with us, they were the inspiration for her current role as Center Manager and founder of the Food Resilience program at the Wairarapa Community Centre Trust.

Bev, although mostly working behind the scenes, is here in the community kitchen with a team of ESOL students, paying it forward.

“I was raised as a small child in Masterton being the 6th of 8 children. We didn't have a lot of money but we had a large backyard with rows and rows of vegetables and an orchard. 

Fresh food was harvested everyday to stretch out a basic meal to fill hungry bellies. We use the new word "Organic" but for us it was just a vegetable garden with good bones...home made compost.

I continued this interest of gardening when raising my children, and extended my knowledge when I completed study in horticulture and permaculture in Palmerston North. I had the " light switch moment" with this solid foundation, and other interests developed such as herbs, preserving, making natural remedies and using sustainable food practices.

~ Thank you Bev!

And not only that, it’s a model that has a ripple effect and can be implemented by others in smaller or larger communities, for the homeless, the elderly, or people that temporarily are going through hardship, and are struggling to feed their families.

More Toru Partners! 

Paekākāriki Winter Vege Planting and Compost (May monthly session)

There is a slight chill in the air, which gets us excited for winter soups and stews! Join us in planting out winter vegetables and turning the Pae Cycle Compost.

Chop Wood, Carry Water: Brotherhood Experience

This one-day Men's Wellbeing activation is a collaboration between the crew at BROS and Mangaroa Farms. It’s an open invitation for men of Aotearoa to get out of the city, drop into nature, and reconnect to what really matters — self, each other, and the land.

Compost Awareness Day

Join Mangaroa Farms for a day full of learning, connection, and hands-on fun as we explore all things compost. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, there’s something here for everyone.

We embrace the principle of ‘small is beautiful’ at Toru Education, and how a small group of people can create unpredictable ripples. 

We loved listening to Toru Trustee Loo Connor’s latest podcast, that includes a description of crystallisation as a metaphor of exactly that phenomenon. 

This newsletter has come into being because we saw a disconnect in our bioregion. We knew there were many great locals with knowledge to share, and some of them were already creating great opportunities for learning, connection and community spirit.

We also saw that many folks didn't know about these amazing opportunities to wānanga together and grow connections in their own back yards. 

To address these needs, we have started with a few interconnected 'small and slow solutions': our new website to host and promote events (among other things), our series of Toru Trail events across our focus area of Kāpiti, Te Whanganui-a-Tara - Wellington, the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa, as well as this monthly newsletter tying it all together and telling the story. 

If you resonate with our vision, we would love you to be involved, this can be in many ways!  

- Please share the good news far and wide, Sharing really is caring, and we want to find our people!

- Do you have an event or educational opportunity? - check out our guidelines and if it fits in with our kaupapa, then sign up and list your event with us! We are promoting local events for free.

- Join one of our events! Learn with us and our partner organisations. Invite a friend along and learn together.

- Do you have ideas for us? Reply to this newsletter or email us at info@toru.nz with your bright spark!