Kauri Ora
Our Story
Our family started out with a backyard garden in West Auckland and little farming experience, but with a big dream and bold passion. Since December 2018, we’ve embarked on a journey to create Kauri Ora Farms to secure resources for future generations while giving back to the land and community.
About Kauri Ora & The Land
Kauri Ora Farms Ltd was created by our family of four in 2018 as a response to our growing concern that having a level of self-sufficiency is becoming increasingly more important in the changing world around us.
We need to prepare for uncertain times as well as pave a way for future generations. We chose Mahurangi West for this project as it is close enough to Auckland City to be accessible (a 40 minute drive) but far enough to feel away from the bustle of the city.
The land is 88 hectares in total, comprising of steep hills, gullies, wetlands, streams and native remnant forests. We have stunning views of Mahurangi Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf towards the Coromandel Peninsula. Mahurangi Regional Park, a popular place for water sports, fishing, camping and walking, is just a five minute drive from us.
The previous landowners had named the property “Kauri Downs”. We wanted to keep the reference to the Kauri trees while also honouring the Māori history and connections to the land. “Ora”, in te reo Māori, can mean to be healthy, alive and in a state of wellbeing. Some of the native remnant forests in the area are affected by Kauri dieback disease, and the name “Kauri Ora” reflects our intention to restore, enhance and protect the native biodiversity of the land.
We recognise Ngāti Manuhiri iwi as the traditional kaitiaki (guardians) of the land and have collaborated with them through resource consent processes. Mātua Ringi Brown carried out a Whakanoa Te Whenua (blessing of the land) in November 2019.
Our Vision
To create a sanctuary for life (people, plants and wildlife) to thrive and to achieve a level of self-sufficiency in food, shelter, water and energy.
In the current climate of unpredictable weather patterns, global food shortages and resource depletion, land is a precious resource that needs to be used wisely and efficiently. We strive to create a productive, self-sustaining and edible landscape to secure food supply and resources within our local community for current and future generations, while sustaining the mauri (life-force) of our soils, waterways and forests.
The vision for Kauri Ora Farms is to grow healthy, organic produce for the local market and community based on permaculture principles as well as our own experience. A diverse range of fruit and vegetables are grown in an aesthetically designed greenhouse as a place where people can connect with their food in a meaningful way.
In addition to growing a range of organic produce, we are developing the farm with an aim that it will function as an eco-tourism destination that offers farm-to-plate experiences as well as educational tours and workshops. We envision our farm to become a lush escape from the city and most importantly, a place of education and inspiration that quality food can be produced in a way that is harmonious with the natural environment.