Sustainable Trails 2025 is happening now across Taranaki! There’s a packed line-up of inspiring workshops, nationally recognised speakers, and grassroots community events all celebrating local innovation, resilience and sustainable living.

“Mieke (Heart and Soil) is a very resourceful and clever lady at teaching the basics of living life in a more fulfilling way, with organic food.” – 2025 Sustainable Trails attendee

The Trails showcase what’s possible when communities come together to future-proof their homes, whānau and planet.

Unmissable Events and Highlights:

• Building Living Soil: Composting with Science – Tuesday 4 November, 5:30–7:30pm, The Green School, 406 Koru Road, Koru. Join Dr Caroline Gottfert and Mieke Verschoor for a journey beneath the surface to explore the hidden, living ecosystem in soil. Ideal for both beginners and gardeners looking to deepen their knowledge. Part of the Centuria Garden Festival Mitre 10 Speaker Series. Tickets $25, includes nibbles from Wild Pear
• The Secret of Seeds – Wednesday 5 November, 6–8pm, Escape Coffee, 15 Liardet Street, New Plymouth. Join Jayne and Barbara from Seedsavers for a practical, hands-on workshop exploring the art and science of seed saving. Participants will gain expert tips for harvesting and storage. Tickets $45 per person, includes refreshments, seeds, tea towel & 250g Escape Coffee
• Electrify My Farm - Monday 10 November, 12.30 - 2.30pm. Join renowned entrepreneur and orchardist Mike Casey, CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa, and find out how to reduce operational costs by going electric, and how to boost income by generating power.
• Electrify My Whare - Monday 10 November, 5.30 - 8pm. Discover how electrifying your home is a win-win for households, your pocket, and the planet. Find out where to start with renowned entrepreneur Mike Casey, CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa.

Sustainable Trails isn’t just about ideas, it’s about getting your hands in the soil. Explore local, affordable, and whānau-friendly workshops designed to help you build real skills and confidence.

Highlights for Host Events include:

• He Rongoā, He Oranga – A hands on Rongoā session - Green School, 2,7 & 9 Nov
• Small-scale Mealworm Farming – Little Insect Farm, 2 & 9 Nov
• Scraps to Soil – EnviroHub, 3 Nov (Free)
• Garden Beds from Pallets – Marfell Māra, 5 Nov (Free)
• Seed Snails for Easy Seedlings – St Mary’s Community Garden (Hāwera), 6 Nov (Free)
• Kōia Gardening for Well-being – St John’s Community Garden (Waitara), 6 Nov (Free)
• Refreshing Herbal & Fruit Drinks – Blue Petal Botanicals, 8 Nov
• Beginner Gardener – Greenbridge, 8 Nov

Sustainable Trails is designed to be accessible and inclusive. Many events are free or low-cost, and the $12 Backyard Bundle Card lets visitors explore five backyards or school gardens for the price of four, plus receive a free packet of seeds.

Each backyard is unique, from thriving food forests to small urban spaces offering practical ideas to take home. It’s a great outing for families and anyone curious about growing food, composting, or living more lightly.

Where to Find Trail Booklets and Bundle Cards, Pick up from:- New Plymouth: Trails Hub (EnviroHub, Brooklands), Crazy Pumpkin (CBD & East), - Coastal & North: Dawn Café (Ōākura), Binn Inn (Waitara)- East Taranaki: Crazy Pumpkin (Stratford)- South Taranaki: Landscape Essentials and The Gathering Café (Hāwera)

Stay Connected! Visit Taranaki Sustainable Trails website (www.sustainablebackyards.org.nz ) for event details, tickets and updates, or follow on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.

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