Kia ora koutou!

Like many other businesses, and particularly print media, OrganicNZ magazine has been facing challenging times financially, with increased costs and declining revenue.  

Over the last few years we have made efforts to remain competitive and cost-efficient, and this year an in-depth audit of our finances showed that we cannot afford to continue to print the magazine. The current March/April issue will be the last printed magazine, and members/subscribers will receive the May/June issue in electronic form.   

We are very sad to have to do this, and give a massive thanks to all of you who have supported, created, bought and enjoyed the magazine over many decades. Instead of producing a full magazine for members and retail customers, the Association will revert to newsletters for members, as we used to do. These will be delivered digitally. 

OrganicNZ’s unique model means that all subscribers are automatically members of the Soil & Health Association of New Zealand. We are actively looking at ways we can continue to support our membership, and what a membership could include, such as: 

  • Email newsletter 
  • Access to content on our website 
  • Webinars 
  • Opportunities to become involved in and support our advocacy and campaigns. 

Soil & Health emailed all members on Friday 5 April 2024 about the decision to cease printing OrganicNZ, with an invitation to attend a Special General Meeting on 4 May in Wellington (and online) to discuss ways forward.  

We also want to hear from members, prior to and at our SGM, about how we can best continue to promote our vision, and thrive. We welcome people’s views on a new strategy that will advance our purposes without the costs of print media. A survey link will be available on the OrganicNZ website here as soon as possible for members to give feedback.  

We also welcome voluntary contributions of articles and images for our e-newsletter and website, as well as donations to continue our advocacy, and any fundraising expertise. 

If you are a member and have not received the email on 5 April, please email Philippa, membership@organicnz.org.nz. We will continue to update and communicate with members directly about your membership.   

The decision to stop publishing OrganicNZ does not mean the end of Soil & Health – far from it! Our message is more vital than ever, and our work includes: 

  • Stimulating activity and awareness around soil health and organic growing through events such as Organic Week and the OrganicNZ Awards. 
  • Continuing to inform people about the GE threat currently facing the organic community and New Zealand’s environment and reputation as a whole.  
  • Representing the interests of members at the highest levels of government to ensure the new national organic standards meet the organic community’s needs.   

We are truly grateful for the many offers of help from members – thank you! Together we will continue our work for healthy soil – healthy food – healthy people: oranga nuku – oranga kai – oranga tāngata.