Jamie and Craig at Laughing Pukeko Organics on the BHU Stepping Stones land.
Description of Land Seekers and desired land: We - Jamie and Craig - are a young(ish), energetic whanau looking to set down roots and steward a small piece of land. This is not a quick project, but rather a grand dream of building healthy soils, enhancing biodiversity, and contributing to the local community. We currently grow veggies, raise chickens for eggs, and nurture a couple honeybee hives. We are open to diversifying. Agroecology principles strongly guide our ethos, and we hold a transformative vision for the future, where local food systems, the environment, and rural communities thrive.
We acknowledge Kai Tahu as tangata whenua, and consider ourselves tangata Tiriti. Jamie is currently enrolled in Hua Parakore to deepen her understanding of te ao Māori, and build enduring relationships with others in the ecosystem.
Regions of NZ Interested in: Greater Otautahi: Selwyn, Waimakariri, Hurunui, Christchurch, Banks Peninsula
Not interested in: land prone to winter waterlogging, or in flood-prone areas.
Farm Name if available: Laughing Pukeko Organics
Farm Project Description: Laughing Pukeko operated an organic veggie CSA for three years, based out of the BHU at Lincoln University. We are currently taking time to reassess our strengths and find more secure/permanent land access.
Preferred Arrangement : Ownership preferred.
Partnership considered.
Ideal date to Obtain Land by: next 6 months
Production Type: horticulture | small scale, diverse vegetables
bees | honey
chickens | eggs
combined, we have experience across many agrisectors: horticulture, beef, citrus, viticulture, arable
Land Use Practices: regenerative, certified organic. land does not currently need to be under organic management, though there is strong preference the land is suitable for certification in the future i.e. not contaminated.
Land Size (acres): 1 acre + (up to about 5 hectares; this is negotiable if some sort of partnership/mentorship was available)
Need Established Water Source and Infrastructure?: Water source is highly desirable: town, bore, or easement from neighboring property.
Need On-site Housing?: As we are ideally purchasing, housing is required: a functional 3 bed, 1 bath, would be suitable; anything more than that would be a bonus.
Soil Needs: Healthy soil is fundamental for what we are aiming to achieve. Ideally, it is suitable for horticultural purposes. The soil can NOT be contaminated ie DDT, heavy metals, long-life herbicides such as clopyralid. Soil tests will be undertaken at our costs.
Anything else you would like to add?: Realistically, we don't have the budget for a million dollar lifestyle block, so we are looking for home ownership options, outside of the box. Perhaps you want to leave a legacy of helping the next generation of farmers, or maybe its time to downsize but you want your land to stay in the hands of ecologically minded people...lets chat!
Contact Jamie at kiaora@laughingpukeko.co.nz if you would like to find out more about their search, or have land to offer.
