Clean green living at Lara Lodge
At Lara Lodge we aim to provide green leafed herbs and vegetables straight from our very own organic kitchen garden. We produce our own herb teas and medicinal remedies too! We operate on a 0% waste policy in the commercial kitchen and have reduced commercial waste by 55%.
In our garden you will find worm farms and composting methods such as Bokashi, where all living waste material is shredded and then used to provide nutrients for our organic garden.
By the end of this year, we aim to have minimised the use of chemicals and to be the first commercial business and building with zero footprint!
Our staff are so excited about this aim and vision that they are actively participating and learning by taking some of these principles home to their own families. Our direct neighbours are joining in and assisting also and we are actively exchanging ideas on how our small group can make a big difference.
We have won Auckland Council garden competitions and aim to be an exemplary Dynamic Backyard. Check out the Dynamic Backyard facebook page for our garden's past achievements.
Every day our residents benefit from and taste the difference of our fresh garden produce.
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Considering Renting Out Your Holiday Home?
Hey Neighbours,
Are you thinking about renting out your holiday home, or want better results from your short-term rental?
As part of the Neighbourly community, Bachcare is offering you a FREE short-term rental appraisal to help discover your property’s earning potential.
With over 20 years of experience, Bachcare supports more than 1,500 homeowners nationwide with 24/7 guest management, local on-the-ground support, and professional cleaning services. We make hosting effortless while maximising your income.
Feel free to reach out to us if you want to find out more!
The Bachcare Team
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