Video compilation of Summer Volunteering in Earthwise Valley 2010

Pigs do Fly!

a story about NZ kereru by Nico at the Earthwise Valley house.



It's a wood pigeon. He was hanging out in a cabbage tree in our front yard. I walked within 8 meters/ 25 feet of him and took a picture of him; he looked at me. I walked within 5 meters/ 15 feet of him; he ate a few more berries. I walked right up under the cabbage tree; he turned his rear end toward me. I extended my hand and ... READ MORE

Let's talk about flax

Nico tells us about planting flax in Earthwise Valley.


Let's talk about flax. This summer, we harvested and transplanted approximately 600 flax plants into earthwise valley where we work. What is flax, and why do we spend so much time working with it? ... READ MORE

Tongariro - Volcano Epic!

A perspective on our recent Epic trip by Nico.

Summit day. We got up relatively late, packed our day packs, and set out. Ngauruhoe is basically a huge pile of large rocks, small rocks, gravel, pebbles, and dust. The beginning part of the climb was pretty enjoyable... READ MORE

The Creation of a Spa Bath

Story by Nomad Dave


A lot of energy has been spent making a spa bath here at Earthwise Valley which works in a totally unique way that I thought I'd like to highlight here.

First thing, we need a big ol' bath tub to have our spa bath in. We chose a spot right by the gazeebo that is near my tent, and started digging a hole. Next was to make a frame to hold the tub and also create a deck around it ... READ MORE

Chicks & Stingrays & Volunteer house...

A story by Bexie


After Christmas and New Years, the house in Tuateawa turned on its hard hat to set up for volunteers. We set up beds, varnished floors, moved furniture, and put in a huge effort to make the place as cozy as possible for a large group. I filled the freezer with pre-cooked foods: banana bread, plum sorbet, pizza dough, orange squash hummus, and countless loaves of wholegrain bread from the breadmaker. I filled jars with beans and spices, and labeled EVERYTHING from cupboards to rooms to toilets ("If it's yellow, leave it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down!" We are conservationists here!) READ MORE