WHERE NATURE LEADS
At Caretaker Farm in Whangateau, the land reflects nearly four decades of careful stewardship, where herbs, fruits and native ecosystems thrive side by side.
Harvest time at Caretaker Farm brings an abundance of figs, peaches, chokos, mugwort, citronella, nettles, althea and goldenrod, along with many other herbs and fruits gathered for herbal healing balms, jams, pickles or green-swapping with others locally. Hydrangea season has largely passed, with their fading flower heads becoming antique reminders of summer, while yacons and Jerusalem artichokes will soon be ready for digging and turning into pickles and syrups. Bananas continue to grow year-round.
Caretaker Farm began its transformation 37 years ago when Audrey Sharp purchased what was then a grass desert, a former goat farm. Together with her mother Dorothy, she began developing the land using organic natural agriculture and permaculture principles to create a biodiverse environment where plants, insects and wildlife could flourish. With the help of more than 1,300 volunteers, paid helpers and friends over the years, the land has steadily recovered, allowing nature to dominate rather than people.
The name Caretaker Farm reflects Audrey and Dorothy’s philosophy, as they saw themselves simply as kaitiaki, caretakers of land that would exist long after they had gone.
Over time the property has evolved. What began as a nursery for seedlings and cuttings, alongside poultry and pigs, is now a place where visitors can purchase plants, herbal healing balms and teas made from what is grown on the property. Educational courses for adults and children are also held on the farm.
Audrey, a practising Wiccan, incorporates seasonal Sabbats into the life of the farm, with gatherings held in the outdoor classroom beneath the Grandfather Totara. Children accompanied by adults are welcomed to explore the wild energy of the farm forest, observe the animals and learn about growing plants, making compost and caring for themselves, their community, the land and the sea.
An experienced educator, Audrey holds six tertiary qualifications including three master’s degrees and has taught at primary, secondary and university level, as well as working with community learners and English language students overseas. Her work at Caretaker Farm combines this educational background with her belief that wellness comes from listening and energetically connecting to the natural world, seeing ourselves as part of nature rather than separate from it.
Today the property stands as a living example of what long-term stewardship can achieve, a thriving food forest, native habitat and place of learning.