What's a forest farmer?

Written By Mamakan

In New Zealand, there is an intense competition for land use. The four major contenders are pastoral farming, pine plantations, urban development, and natural forests. Natural forests tend to lose out for economic reasons and mainstream social belief systems. My dream is to see more natural forests.

Here in Auckland, we are setting up an experiment; what if a healthy natural forest with a high level of biodiversity could generate a reasonable income from foraging, educational farm visits, and native produce sales? That would be a win-win for the environment, the landowner, the local community, and our future generations. That's the vision for our natural forest farm. I’m a forest farmer.

In the future, I believe that many more natural forest farms will be popping up all over the country creating prosperity and jobs for local communities. Local food brands and restaurants will celebrate forest produce in harmony with our changing seasons.

Businesses will arrange meetings at the 'Bush Boardroom' and harvest the benefits of working in nature. Tourists will taste the uniqueness of the land in the award-winning 'Kawakawa Burgers'. Biodiversity is for food. And the children of Aotearoa New Zealand will grow up knowing how healthy, beautiful, and delicious our natural forests are. 🌳 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳

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Hotel Britomart x Velskov: the city hotel and the forest farm embrace regenerative travel
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In a groundbreaking move to redefine travel paradigms, The Hotel Britomart in Auckland and Velskov Native Forest Farm unveil an unprecedented partnership in regenerative travel.

Land of the Long White Cloud
Land of the Long White Cloud

A little further south, New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, is the country’s main cruise hub. From here you can take a ferry to the volcanic island of Rangitoto, wander the elegant halls of Auckland Art Gallery, sky jump from Sky Tower or join The Hotel Britomart’s Nourishing Nature tour to learn about regeneration and biodiversity at Velskov, a native forest farm.

Velskov’s founder, Mamakan, says, “There’s a profound sense of renewal that comes with immersing yourself in the land. One of the most meaningful ways to do this is through planting a native tree: a ritual that leaves you with a lasting bond to the New Zealand landscape.”

The Story Behind the Piwakawaka Pavilion
The Story Behind the Piwakawaka Pavilion

“In order to provide chefs with this fresh native produce, we needed a place where we could host them and our other visitors. The goal was somewhere that felt totally immersed in nature, while being protected from the sun, rain and wind.”

Mamakan
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