Acerca de
About Us
As passionate home gardeners, lifestyle block farmers and permaculture designers we have created Vital Harvest to help inspire and educate others to grow their own food, build resilience and get the most out of their land.
We are a family of four living on a 2.2 ha block. Our goal is to share the core permaculture design principles, holistic grazing systems, and family routines that have enabled us to produce most of our own organic meat and vegetables, even while working off-site. Our services are designed for those looking to maximise the productive potential of their small to medium-sized lifestyle block.
​​
Join us to learn how to become more resourceful and set yourself up for a healthier, happier, and more resilient future.
​
​
INTRODUCING
NICKI
As a mother of two girls and passionate gardener, my goal is to feed my family from my own organic garden as much as possible. I grow most of our vegetables, and each year, the garden keeps expanding! I believe food security is vital for building resilience in an ever-changing world
​
I specialise in one-on-one consultations for edible gardens, orchards, food forests, and composting. Currently, I’m running a series of Edible Gardening workshops tailored for home gardeners and lifestyle block owners, suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
​
As the Head Gardener at the award-winning Falls Retreat Bistro, I work closely with the chefs to provide seasonal inspiration for their menu, using produce from the garden in their dishes, pickles, and preserves. I also contribute monthly gardening advice to On the Land (previously NZ Lifestyle Block) magazine, the Ocean Organics Facebook page, and my local Waikino Whisper newsletter. Additionally, I’m a committee member of the Waihi Herb Society.
​
​
Available for consultation on:
INTRODUCING
SHANE
As a qualified permaculture designer, I view all landscapes - and the people who inhabit them - through this lens. For me, it makes perfect sense to work with nature, not against it. With costs rising, maximising natural resources and designing properties to prevent wasted energy is essential. This is the approach Nicki and I have taken with our own property, and we’re already seeing the benefits from early implementation of key production areas.
​
Having a development plan from the start provides a roadmap, allowing you to prioritize projects that align with your lifestyle. A permaculture design is an ongoing process - there’s no need to finish everything at once. However, it’s crucial to understand your landscape and how different elements will fit together and complement each other.
​
In my work as a builder, soil consultant, and permaculture designer, I combine these skills to guide clients on their journey toward living lightly on the land. Thoughtful house design reduces energy and maintenance costs, while healthy soil supports both family and animal wellbeing, as well as regenerating the environment. Permaculture principles help identify key production areas on your property, ensuring they are developed efficiently. These principles also help designate outer zones, which can be returned to wilderness or planted as woodlots for firewood. Our goal is to make our lives more efficient and productive, and that’s what we aim to achieve for our clients as well.
Available for consultation on:
