Sustainability

Sustainability at Monavale is a living practice woven into every decision, from soil health and biodiversity to energy use and community engagement. While we already lead the industry in organic and regenerative practices, we aim to push further – pioneering agroecological innovations, reducing carbon emissions, and expanding our role as environmental stewards shaping a resilient, nature-aligned food system.

Biodiversity

Beneficial microorganisms and biological processes are promoted through organic management, ensuring the preservation of peat and the creation of humus.

The property also preserves a small patch of remnant bush, which provides habitat for local species including nesting sites for New Zealand’s largest bird of prey, the swamp harrier /Kāhu. Swamp harriers are predatory birds that help to control pests like hares, blackbirds, and mynas, in keeping with organic principles that use ecosystem solutions.

Energy

We are on a journey to transition our orchard operations to be free of fossil fuels. This helps not only bring business input costs down, but also reduces air and noise pollution, as well as eliminating the risk of fuels spills and other contamination, in line with our commitment to staff safety. Our organic philosophy is personal, because the orchard is also our home. So, we want to live in an environment free from chemicals too.

Organic and Regenerative Soil Management

Monavale Blueberries is located in the Moanatuatua Swamp area, approximately one kilometre east of the Moanatuatua Wetland. The land consists of an ‘oligotrophic’ peat approximately seven metres deep, with the main source of water being rain. As rainwater has a low nutrient content, oligotrophic peats typically have low fertility and are acidic. This peat is often referred to as a 'raised bog'. The sustainability of peat soils is of cultural value to all New Zealanders and Monavale Blueberries are passionate about preserving this peat for future generations.

Carbon Cycle

Preliminary calculations show that due to our organic land management practices, Monavale Blueberries sequesters more carbon from the atmosphere than we release. Unfortunately, under the current Kyoto Protocol this method of sequestration has not been accepted and therefore Monavale Blueberries cannot be officially recognised as Carbon Fixers.