Brett’s Omanawa Food Forest Tour in the Bay of Plenty
Brett’s down-to-earth, true blue Kiwi approach to cultivating a thriving food forest in the Bay of Plenty is nothing short of inspiring. His philosophy revolves around keeping things simple, practical, and genuinely accessible, ensuring that anyone—whether a seasoned grower or a complete newbie—can learn from his journey. Brett has once again opened the gates to his incredible food forest, inviting fellow growers and enthusiasts to explore and gain hands-on insights into his ever-evolving landscape.
This living ecosystem is a testament to biodiversity and resilience, packed with an abundance of fruiting trees, including towering avocados, sun-ripened citrus, crisp apples, and a selection of tropical treasures such as papaya, sapote, and bananas. Scattered throughout are diverse fruit and nut varieties—peaches, plums, almonds, and more—all thriving in a carefully designed environment that mimics natural forest growth.
One of the standout features of Brett’s setup is his use of syntropic agroforestry principles, where rows of fruit trees are interwoven with an array of support plants like comfrey, Jerusalem artichokes, tithonia, and other nutrient accumulators. This method not only fosters soil health and fertility but also enhances plant resilience and productivity.
Visitors had the opportunity to soak up invaluable knowledge on establishing and maintaining a successful food forest in Aotearoa, including insights into companion planting, soil regeneration, and strategic tree placement for optimal growth. Last summer’s tour was a massive hit, and for those who missed out, this year’s experience proved to be just as enriching—offering fresh inspiration, practical takeaways, and a deeper appreciation for sustainable, food-producing landscapes.
