Tikitere Farm

Tikitere Farm *A small farm on a mission
* Hazelnut orchard
*Syntropic growing system trial

Sunshine before sunrise … nothing quite like the colour and strength of a sunflower to evoke a smile from the heart, esp...
10/02/2026

Sunshine before sunrise … nothing quite like the colour and strength of a sunflower to evoke a smile from the heart, especially when daylight hours are noticeably shorter

2025 wrap for Tikitere Farm | Alison Bentley ... it's been all about FOOD and KNOWLEDGE, SHARING and CARING: Working wit...
03/01/2026

2025 wrap for Tikitere Farm | Alison Bentley ... it's been all about FOOD and KNOWLEDGE, SHARING and CARING:
Working with nature, love'n the land, thriving with friends.

Attendance at three high energy food focused hui was inspiring and motivating - all very different: Eat NZ had their 10yr celebration Hui packed full of people-doing-kai from every nodule of the food-ecosystem, the Local Growers Hui focused on small scale market gardens with conversations and connections spread much wider, and the NZ Institute of Landscape Architects annual wananga was focused on food in landscapes.

Presenting at the NZ Passionfruit Growers AGM was a highlight, focused on the value and importance of small scale growers and produce groups.

Working off-farm at the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre enables income for farm purchases such as a mechanical nut cracker, a chipper, R&M on all the fences. While knowledge sharing over the lunch-table enables the greatest value.

2026 looks eqaully as full and exciting with a Community-Climate-Kai-Resilience project kicking off. Managing and facilitating for this project will engage my knowledge and networks while continuing to share my passion for planet and people.

I’m excited to be attending this hui
08/04/2025

I’m excited to be attending this hui

The days are drawing shorter, need the headlight for the morning rounds
26/02/2025

The days are drawing shorter, need the headlight for the morning rounds

Breakfast Time 😋
22/02/2025

Breakfast Time 😋


Is this a true indication of summer … when the spaniel contentedly stands in the water trough watching me set the paddoc...
30/01/2025

Is this a true indication of summer … when the spaniel contentedly stands in the water trough watching me set the paddock up for the calves?

Soil test results are back.Subtle differences in the Cali-thistle patches and the normal pasture … it’s those subtle dif...
30/01/2025

Soil test results are back.
Subtle differences in the Cali-thistle patches and the normal pasture … it’s those subtle differences that need addressing

Inspired and Executed! This book hasn't sat on the shelf, I have read it cover-to-cover then used and adapted the princi...
25/01/2025

Inspired and Executed! This book hasn't sat on the shelf, I have read it cover-to-cover then used and adapted the principles around to create astheticly pleasing, functional and edible spaces, gardens and ecosystems.

Spot-The-DifferenceCalifornian thistle is the ache of many farmers. I have tried EVERYTHING under the sun and soil to ma...
23/01/2025

Spot-The-Difference
Californian thistle is the ache of many farmers. I have tried EVERYTHING under the sun and soil to manager these plants to a point of co-existence; grazing, species, mechanical, soil, EVERTHING!! and they have beaten me from managable to infestation. I have, after 12 years resorted to chemical warfare this year :(
But killing alone still is not the best answer.
I have taken soil tests specifically cali patches and cali-free patches within the same paddocks.
There are some subtle differences in the soil results, I intend to address these to re-balance the soil system.
You're welcome to play this game, and suggest your solutions :)

Home-grown bananas are such a treat but I don’t like the dry texture … how are they best eaten?
13/01/2025

Home-grown bananas are such a treat but I don’t like the dry texture … how are they best eaten?

Come and enjoy a walk around a small farm while sharing and learning about failures and successes of growing food.Everyo...
06/10/2024

Come and enjoy a walk around a small farm while sharing and learning about failures and successes of growing food.
Everyone welcome.
Wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather conditions.
Bring your questions and ideas.
PM for exact address

It's finished ... after seven years!! The Hazelnut Trial in Rotorua New Zealand. I will miss my wonderful office view, g...
12/09/2024

It's finished ... after seven years!! The Hazelnut Trial in Rotorua New Zealand.

I will miss my wonderful office view, gazing out into the hazelnut orchard in between intense moments of admin concentration!

Growing hazelnuts in New Zealand has great potential.

"Experience reveals that fresh New Zealand hazelnuts are a taste sensation compared to imported hazelnuts. They are a delicious nutritious source of plant protein which can be used in a diverse range of snacks and meals …not to mention coating them in chocolate!"
"New Zealanders eat approximately 218 tonnes of imported shelled hazelnuts each year but we grow only 40 tonnes (approx). Therefore the potential for locally grown hazelnuts to displace imports in measurable."
Read the summary report, and get the link to the full report here https://tikiterefarm.co.nz/hazelnut-field-trial-results/

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Rotorua

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