The ECO School

12/08/2026

Here is an update on what is happening on the farm.

Less than a week after the coldest days of the year the farm is full of signs of spring. The first thing I noticed was a pear tree blossoming. This was followed almost immediately by plum blossoms.…

09/08/2026

First the bad news: Last 2 avos of the season.
Now the good news: Next avo season starts in September!

05/08/2026

This is a public service announcement for New Zealanders: CHECK YOUR CEILING INSULATION
In my work with energy efficiency and Healthy Homes I have visited thousands of houses over the last 15 years. One thing I see very often is ceiling insulation moved by 'tradies' and not put back in place. This is the case in more than 50% of the homes I see.
Recently I have looked at 8 ceilings IN A ROW that have something wrong with the insulation: either not enough or it's been shifted and not replaced. This is epidemic and the residents don't even know what has happened above their heads!
5 of the 8 in-a-row are rental properties and therefore do not meet the Healthy Homes Standards. Just sayin...
Please, please, please if you are able to do so safely, have a look at your ceiling insulation. Or get your cuzzy to have a look. It should be over 120 mm thick and there should be no gaps or depressions.
Please share this with anyone who lives in a cold house.
Chur

16/07/2026

How lucky are we! A massive thank you to our amazing youth helpers who were absolutely phenomenal this week.

❤️ Finn, Nate, Scarlett, Verti, Quintin, Lucas ❤️

They were mudslide makers, hand holders, gear bucket haulers, dough mixers, song leaders, swing tie-ers, awesome teachers, and such a positive source of energy.

Thank you for being such positive role models. And if anyone needs a baby sitter we have a few we are happy to recommend. What an awesome group of rangatahi!

16/07/2026

Sorry to the washing machines. We were in the mud early today and it only got worse from there! At the end of the day a boy told me he had marshmallow in his ear! 😂

July Holiday Program done and dusted. Thanks for playing! See you again next time!

15/07/2026

Day Two! Sunshine, fire, knives, and pigs. Fantastic group of enthusiastic friends. See you tomorrow for Day Three!

14/07/2026

Nature Play Holiday Program - Day One in the books! What a beautiful group of kids and some beautiful weather too. See you tomorrow for another stunner!

14/06/2026

14/06/2026

🌿🌞Nature Play Holiday Program🌞🌿

It's that time again! Time to get outside!
Join us for a day (or two) of fun and adventure.

July 14, 15, 16
9:30am - 3:30pm (Before and after care available if needed)
$60 per child per day
For children Ages 5-12.

Get rid of the boredom and up their level of adventure this holidays. Staffed with qualified teachers and outdoor experts. Give your child a holidays they will remember forever.

Our Nature Play Holiday Program, based on Forest School pedagogy, is a place for kids to be kids. Our days are filled with bushcraft, animals, fire, mud, and art.

Limited Spaces Available
Email [email protected] for enrolment form and payment information.

31/05/2026

We are loving these sun-ripened strawberry guavas this time of year.
Massive thanks to Rob Bartrum for giving us 50 plants all those years ago!