Source: Rainbow Valley Farm
Auckland January 23, 2022. With the rising cost of living, it’s never been a better time to grow your own food and help make the world a better place – and now you can learn from two of New Zealand’s most knowledgeable experts.
Trish Allen and Guenther Andraschko will run an internationally-recognised Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) course from April to November, based out of the Matakana Hall and Community Garden and with visits to other permaculture destinations in the region – including the legendary Rainbow Valley Farm.
“Permaculture is not only about looking after water, soil and eco-systems, but also growing food and other flora in a sustainable way,” says Trish. “Recently we’ve seen the cost of fertilisers and food go through the roof. It’s a great reason for people to create their own healthy soil and compost to grow nutritious food for their families and communities.”
Trish is a Matakana pioneer and a zero-waste icon who has started several successful initiatives over the years, such as the Mahurangi Wastebusters.
Guenther Andraschko is a well-known local earth builder and landscaper with more than 25 years’ experience creating unique outdoor environments. He is passionate about supporting others to realise their own permaculture projects and aspiration.
“What makes this PDC unique is that participants can choose from a range of different practical workshops, which include hands-on experience with Earth Building, Pruning & Grafting, Mushroom Growing, Fermentation and more,” Guenther says.
Trish and Guenther have run successful PDC courses for a number of years. For this upcoming course they’ll be introducing some new tools and ideas.
“Healthy soil and compost are key elements of a thriving ecosystem, and we’ve purchased a new microscope that can show us close up just how healthy it is,” says Trish. “We’re also emphasising a Te Ao Māori perspective on permaculture this year, which will be a wonderful addition to the course.”
The full PDC consists of nine theory days and three practical workshops, held over seven months. The theory days cover topics such as Ecology & Climate, Water Management, Composting, Forest Gardens and Economics.
There are eight practical workshops to choose from, and once the PDC students has taken their pick the remaining spots are open to the public.
The cost of the full PDC is $1,495. Additional practical workshops are $90 when attending the full PDC. Individual theory or practical workshops can be attended by anyone at $155 each or $130 for three or more. Here is the complete schedule of theory topics and workshops. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hnq3ugmJFfLvVQX2xV_TkOx605YmB8wL/edit
The Earthskin Trust have generously provided scholarships up to $500 for people who need financial support. For more information on the scholarships go to the Earthskin website. http://www.earthskintrust.org/scholarships
Places for the Matakana PDC are limited, so register today by filling in the enrolment form. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9fapqVrE4EBXAISKDHXkDbts3LJJwQieT4lb9buQZGQX1Aw/viewform
