Staying connected in uncertain times

As autumn settles in, there’s a lot being felt, both close to home and further afield.

We’re mindful of the many communities around the world experiencing uncertainty, and of how some of these pressures are also being felt here in Aotearoa through rising food and fuel costs, as well as the everyday realities they bring.

In times like these, returning to what’s close to home can be a powerful place to begin.

In this month’s feature, Loo shares reflections from Toru’s recent listening phase and the conversations that have been shaping our next steps.

You’ll also find a small selection of upcoming events, along with a few resources and stories focused on practical ways to prepare, support one another, and stay connected.

👉 Read Loo’s reflection: Listening for What Comes Next

Upcoming Events

A small selection of upcoming opportunities to gather, learn, and connect across our region.

Biodynamic Soil & Compost Workshop

Sun 3 May | 10am–2pm

Miriona Gardens, 168 Tilley Road, Paekakariki

A hands-on day with Rachel Pomeroy, one of Aotearoa’s most experienced biodynamic educators, bringing people together to work directly with soil, compost, and seasonal rhythms.

On the day:

Create a cow pat pit (compost concentrate for future use)
Build a compost heap with biodynamic preparations
Learn how the preparations work and when to use them
Stir and apply Preparation 500 as a shared offering to the whenua

Lunch, fire, and space for kōrero included.

$20 early bird, koha available

👉 Get tickets

Wairarapa

Nature Connection Wānanga - New Forest

Sat 16 May | 9:30am–3:30pm

791 Mikimiki Rd, Masterton

Hands-on learning exploring nature connection, with practical ideas for educators, leaders, and kaitiaki, presented by a team of experienced facilitators.

👉 Learn more

Wellington

Future Council Film Screening - Pōneke Climate Festival

Wed 29 April | 6:00–9:00pm

Two/Fiftyseven, Wellington

A film following young people engaging with climate solutions and decision-makers, with a local youth panel alongside.

👉 Get tickets

Hutt Valley

Permaculture Soils & Composting Day Course

Sat 3 May | 9:00am–5:00pm

Whiteman’s Valley, Upper Hutt

A one-day permaculture course on soil health and composting, with practical learning, hosted by Korito Education.

👉 See event details

Kāpiti Coast

Foraging for Wild Edible Weeds ~ Autumn Workshop

Sat 26 April | 1:00–3:00pm

Raumati South, Kāpiti Coast

Explore wild edible plants, how to identify them, their uses, and sustainable foraging practices, hosted by Wild Botanica.

👉 Get tickets

Find more events happening across our region.

Explore all events

Media Picks

A few things that have recently caught our attention.

🎥 Watch

Building a Local Food System, Country Calendar

A recent episode of Country Calendar explores efforts in the Wairarapa to localise the food system and support ecological farming, featuring growers and initiatives including Little Farms, Complete Cow, and Where's the Food.

It follows Alex Morrisey of Little Farms, a grower and organiser connecting local producers and building a more resilient food system.

👉 Watch the episode

📖 Read

April in the veggie patch, by Kath Irvine

A practical guide to getting into the garden and doing what you can this month, from clearing space to planting and preparing for the cooler season ahead.

👉 Read the blog

🎧 Listen

Michael Andrew (left) is editor of On the Land, formerly NZ Lifestyle Block magazine

Photo: Landlife Media

Food Security for Absolute Beginners

A grounded conversation with Michael Andrew, editor of On the Land, on small, practical steps to build food resilience, from growing your own food to sourcing locally and reducing reliance on supermarkets.

👉 Listen to the episode

Why we share

Across our region there are many people quietly growing food, restoring ecosystems, sharing knowledge, and nurturing community.

Much of this work happens in small places such as gardens, farms, classrooms, community kitchens, and local gatherings, and often it remains largely unseen beyond those directly involved.

Toru exists to help make these threads more visible and connected. Through stories, events, and shared learning, we hope to celebrate the people doing this work and strengthen the relationships that allow it to grow.

If this resonates with you:

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Share it within your community networks

And if this newsletter was forwarded to you, welcome! 👋

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If you’re hosting an event, workshop, or course that aligns with our kaupapa, you are welcome to list it on our website. Check out our event listing guidelines and create an account.

Event listings are always free and are one small way we can help support the wider network.

Thank you for being part of this growing network.

Ngā manaakitanga,

Emma Ellison

on behalf of the Toru Education Trust

We would love to hear from you. Please email us at info@toru.nz or simply reply to this email.

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