New Zealand’s black gold

For the past 18 months, questions about the country’s truffle industry have been sitting at the back of my mind. Finally, in June, I was able to drive to Paengaroa near Te Puke to tag along with the season’s first truffle hunt at Maureen and Colin Binns’ truffière. It was really interesting to hold an entire truffle in my hand and inhale its aroma. In an industry known for its secrecy, it was really refreshing to have Colin and Maureen speak so openly about their passion for truffles and to learn exactly how they are grown and harvested. If you get the opportunity to be in the area in truffle season, go book a ticket for one of their truffle hunts. The truffle dogs are cute too!

A freshly dug truffle at Te Puke Truffles. PHOTO: HELENA O’NEILL
Jed the truffle dog. PHOTO: HELENA O’NEILL

NZGrower articles from 2020

In December’s issue of NZGrower, we take a look at how Superb Herb is flourishing during difficult times (page 18-19). One of my photographs from that article also features as the cover image. To check out my December article click here.

Superb Herb managing director Ken Rogers in the new glasshouse with sales and marketing manager Brigitte Hannett at their Parakai operation.
PHOTO: HELENA O’NEILL

Macadamias are a tough but rewarding nut to crack for lifestyle orchardists Phillip and Sue Bearsley. Read about the Bearsleys’ challenges in the December issue of sister publication, The Orchardist (pages 32-33).

In November’s issue of NZGrower I visit the country’s largest single-site glasshouse grower of capsicums – Southern Paprika Ltd (pages 20-22). One of my images features on the front cover. I also visited young berry grower Jay Molloy in the Waikato (pages 36-37).

Blair Morris with some of the company’s finest capsicums at Southern Paprika Ltd in Warkworth.
PHOTO: HELENA O’NEILL