Mā te whenua ka ora te tangata, mā te tangata ka ore te whenua.

Through the land the people will be nourished, through the people the land will be nourished.

Rainbow Valley Farm has a long and rich history, beginning with founders Trish Allen and Jo Polaischer in 1988. When they purchased this block of land, it was barren ex-dairy pasture with little to no biodiversity and a sick river. They spent years clearing gorse, building the Barn and the Grassroof House, planting over 800 different species of trees, constructing aquaculture ponds, hosting WWOOFers and students, and becoming household names in the permaculture world.

Fast forward to 2026, and Rainbow Valley Farm is now co-owned by Matthew and Waveney, and Stef and Rich. A lots has changed over the years, and we are working to restore the whenua to how it was at its heydey. Right at this moment, that looks like a lot of noxious weed control, riparian planting, tree management, and trapping. We’re lucky enough to have kiwi living on our block, as well as lots of other native manu, insects and bugs, and native plants. We continue to operate along permaculture principles, and all our gardens and orchards are organic and spray-free.

Whilst we all live and maintain the property together, Stef and Rich manage the business aspect of Rainbow Valley - planting the market garden, harvesting from the orchard, preserving and packaging, and manning the stall at the Matakana Farmer’s Market. Matthew and Waveney have a strong focus on conservation, and lead the charge with the ongoing riparian restoration project.

We hope that by living and gardening within permaulture priciples to build a stronger connection to the whenua, and the kai we produce, and to in turn spread this knowledge out into the world. Change starts small and local, and food sovereignty and respect for te taiao is core to renewing connections and respect between peoples.