He tipu, he taonga — every plant a treasure, every seed a story. As winter whispers across the whenua, we look to the nurseries, where quiet hands tend to future forests, and where children learn that kaitiakitanga begins with care.

As we walk the path of regeneration, often we may find that the answers we seek are often already held within the whenua, within our past and whakapapa, and within the ancient wisdom carried by our tīpuna / ancestors.

This month, we're highlighting healthy food systems in Aotearoa NZ - in particular, celebrating the launch of Papawhakaritorito Trust’s new book Pātaka Kai: Growing Kai Sovereignty.

In times of uncertainty, when the path ahead feels unclear, one thing we know for certain is that every day, three times a day, what is important is where our kai [food] comes from.

In nature, looking at the micro, enables us to see the macro; Indigenous wisdom reminds us to look back, in order to look forward - both help us rediscover our interconnected relationship to the world around us.

November has been a big month, with the Ma Earth Grants Round 2 completed, distributing over $200K USD to 30 land regeneration projects around the world. More recently, we were shocked to hear about the devastating fire that tore through the farm at Papawhakaritorito Trust, destroying the learning centre, and inside it all seed stock, books and more.

This month, we’re spotlighting Ma Earth Grants Round 2 - distributing $200,000 in total matching funds to 30 regenerative land projects around the world.

In Aotearoa, arrival of the Pipiwharauroa (Shining Cuckoo) songbird, and the magnificent flowering of the Kumarahou (below), are two traditional tohu of Te Āo Māori that the seasons are shifting and Spring has begun.

When looking at the current state of our environment on a macro scale, it is understandable to feel discouraged given the effects of climate change, corporate expansion, and biodiversity loss across the globe.

As a global economy continues to pose significant risks to all life on Earth, a powerful counter-trend is emerging, as millions work towards a system shift that prioritises cultural and biological diversity.

As natural disasters and global conflicts threaten global food supply chains, it becomes clear that growing and supporting locally produced food systems are one of the most effective ways to build community resilience and inter-dependence in our local bioregions.

As Ancient Futures author Helena Norberg Hodge of Local Futures says, “to be truly ecological, the economy has to be localised.”

In last month’s newsletter, we highlighted Ma Earth’s quadratic funding round for regenerative land projects. Hosted on the blockchain platform Gitcoin, the fund included 23 regenerative land projects from all over the world.

Combined with the $100K matching fund from Biome Trust, the total raised was over $160,000 for regenerative land projects - an average of $7,178.82 per organisation.

Each day as a new sun rises, as the ancient whales continue their migratory patterns across the globe, and as the mycelium of the forests come and go - we are reminded of the gentle rhythms of nature, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

But where does money fit into this equation? How can we use the technology of trade in a way that reinforces and supports our environment as an extension of ourselves, as a living, breathing entity?

In the words of Michael Reynolds, in the latest Happen Films documentary, ”Food sovereignty speaks to our ability as communities to create systems to feed and nourish ourselves, in ways that are independent of the system. We’re stewarding systems that have our collective health & wellbeing at the forefront of the mission.”

As we take stock of the globally renowned, pristine spring waters, and unique native species of Aotearoa, we are reminded of the importance of protecting these Taonga (treasured) species, and whenua (land) for future generations.

As we navigate times of pandemics, unprecedented natural disasters, and global conflict, we are constantly reminded that having access to local food systems is critically important for community resilience and stability.

Recently, we hosted the 2023 Biome Hui at Mangaroa Farms, featuring curious conversations and farm-to-table meals, connecting some of our local ecosystems, and deepening understandings of our collective mahi.

As we navigate through these times, we might ask ourselves - what does a truly sustainable civilisation actually look like? What can be saved from our current paradigm? And how do we get there?

In a season defined by global international conflicts, national elections, pivotal referendums, and a distressing array of environmental destruction, it becomes evident that numerous factors are contributing to a narrative of separation and isolation on the global stage.

Traditionally in the northern areas of Aotearoa, for some the flowering of the majestic and medicinal Kūmarahou (pictured above) was a symbol for Kōanga / Spring - a time of hope, new beginnings, and fresh growth.