Our mission is to to transition an old paradigm cow-milk farm into a new and ancient land-use model, with a focus on wellbeing for people and place. 

Tiaki Whenua / Care for the land
Tiaki Tangata / Care for the people
Kotahi Taiao / Together with nature

Applying these values to an area of 220 acres with a range of contours and micro-climate opportunities, the long-term regeneration of the farm's former pastures will weave a rich tapestry of life forms. 

Imagine a diverse range of appropriately located edible and aesthetic landscapes. Our mixed land use design includes native restoration, exotic/novel ecosystems with areas of intensive syntropic management. On broader acreage the high value timber will bring carbon into our soils at scale, while silvopasture techniques will allow for various animal inclusions. The built environment comprises accommodation and community spaces as well as celebration and devotional (but secular) infrastructure. 

Working with local iwi (indigenous tribe) to restore the mana (spiritual power, prestige, respect) to this land, our efforts extend from the top of our highest point on the maunga (mountain) down to sea level on the Kaipara moana (ocean harbour). Ariki’s in-house pest control programme is bringing back the manu (birds). Flat areas are maintained for the community to enjoy, and we love hosting groups of humans for celebration, commiseration, education and inspiration. 

Our land recently received official council consent to host the two art and wellbeing festivals run by our community, ‘Resolution NYE’ and ‘NZ Spirit Festival’ - both of which attract several thousand attendees enjoying a range of music, art, holistic health and educational offerings. 
We have a large tipi dedicated to mens and womens circles, while the geodesic dome is set up to host our volunteer work exchange folk, as well as ecstatic dance, seasonal events and ceremonies. 

Significant native restoration has been undertaken by the community. Protecting riparian districts (waterways) remains a priority, and we have many steep paddocks needing to be retired to the vibrant and alive rainforest the area once was. Exotic species are also welcome for their strategic strengths, especially when it comes to building soil, reducing erosion, privacy plantings and roadside noise mitigation. All regen action has been recorded thus far, and we look forward to getting a full GIS/topographical chart done for ultimate impact measurement. 

Ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata
If the land is well, the people will thrive
Pa Ropata

Please consider support the Ariki effort, and we’d love to host all who align with our Earth-centered values and mission. Our team is brimming with talent for regenerative action and a passion for carbon sequestration. In addition to the quantitative benefits of this ambitious project, we see our work as Earthkeepers as a spiritual journey of becoming and belonging. Restoring the mana of the mountain and the mauri (life force, vital essence) of the ngahere (forest) allows us to step into our roles in the broader story of life, and nourish the qualitative, mythological layers of the great turning of these turbulent times. 

“You never change things by fighting the existing reality.
To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”
― Buckminster Fuller
