The Raglan PDC

15/04/2026

A little taste of the first day of the 2026 Raglan PDC - a full day with full minds and full hearts. We’re in awe of the inspiring group of people who have come together to learn and grow this year.

There’s something very special beginning to take root, and this is just the beginning... 🌱

11/03/2026

Fantastic RNZ interview with permaculturalist Jo Duff sharing the story of Kahikatea Farm. Well worth a listen!

On 16 acres in Poukawa, south of Hastings, once-bare paddocks have been transformed into a thriving interconnected place for growing.

Read more below 🔗

05/03/2026

The dream team gathers - yesterday our PDC tutors came together to continue weaving a strong kete to hold and support our students through this year’s permaculture learning journey, while strengthening our culture and growing our knowledge in ways that honour local wisdom and deepen our sharing of permaculture.

The course begins next Sunday 15 March and we still have a few places open. If you’ve been feeling the call to permaculture, is there a better time than now?

Come find us one last time at the Growers Market tonight, 5–7pm on Stewart Street if you’re curious to learn more 🌱

02/03/2026

We ask our course elders (and resident comedian) Liz and Rick why it’s the right time for the Raglan PDC to return after a seven-year break.

Hint: it all comes down to resilience and connection in troubled times 🌿

26/02/2026

We’ll be at the again tonight 5-7pm on Stewart Street. Come and learn more about permaculture, the upcoming PDC and hang out with some of our tutor team 💚🌿

26/02/2026

From landfill to living systems: how permaculture took root in Whāingaroa.

Thank you to Maki and The Raglan Chronicle for this gorgeous story on the long-standing relationship between permaculture, Xtreme Zero Waste and Whāingaroa Environment Centre / Te Pokapū Taiao o Whāingaroa

Read the full article on page 9 of the Chronicle out now 🌱

24/02/2026

We're beyond grateful to receive this generous support from the RFC Community Fund - which we're excited to share will go towards partial scholarship places for a couple of Raglan locals 💚💚

Thank you Raglan Food Co for getting behind the next generation of community change-makers!

We’re excited to support the return of the Raglan Permaculture Design Course (after a seven-year break) with an RFC Community Fund grant. 🧑‍🌾 Whaingaroa has a rich history of permaculture thinking - these ideas have shaped so many of our local initiatives, including Xtreme Zero Waste and beyond. ♻️ They’re woven into how our community thinks about living well. The PDC reflects values we hold close at Raglan Food Co: care for people, care for the planet, and create systems that work in harmony with nature. 🌿 We’re stoked to see this kaupapa back up and running and growing the next wave of local changemakers. 🌊 You can find out more at www.raglanpermaculture.org. 👈

Got a project creating positive impact in our community? Applications for the RFC Community Fund are open for 2026 - https://raglanfoodco.com/for-good/rfc-community-fund/ 🖱️

23/02/2026

Why permaculture?

Our lead tutor Finn Mackesy shares what lights him up about this powerful design system 🔥🌱

22/02/2026

Our programme elders Liz Stanway and Rick Thorpe share how, alongside a group of local change-makers, they brought the first Permaculture Design Course to Raglan over 25 years ago - creating powerful ripples still being felt today ✨

19/02/2026

Curious about permaculture and the Raglan PDC?

Our lead tutor Finn, and a few of the PDC crew will be at the Raglan Growers Market on Stewart Street tomorrow, 5–7pm, ready to kōrero and answer your questions.

Thinking about joining? Come say hi and find out if it’s for you 🌱