Liz and Rick originally trained and worked as ecologists and have over 30 years of experience in endangered species, forest, wetland and marine restoration and management projects throughout New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, Wales, Mauritius and the Middle East. They have been practicing Permaculture for over 25 years and both hold Permaculture Design Certificates and Diplomas. Currently they live on a 6 hectare Permaculture/organic property near Raglan that they have developed from pasture over 23 years. The property produces a significant amount of their income through production of fruits, nuts, vegetables, herbs, firewood, timber and has provided a place of hands on learning for family, woofers, interns, the local community and visitors from all over the world.
They are founding members of Xtreme Zero Waste – Raglan Community’s award winning zero waste programme, the Whaingaroa Environment Centre and various other local initiatives. They have facilitated Permaculture Design Courses at Solscape in Raglan for several years and tutor two modules of the Hamilton modular Permaculture Design Course.