Phil & Jenny Grainger
Kahurere Ridge

The couple behind this small Auckland property has transformed it into a model of self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship – creating a blueprint for climate-conscious living.

Phil and Jenny Grainger purchased the original property in 1999, subdividing it shortly after into today’s 32ha farm. Money raised from the subdivision was used to start Venerdi Gluten Free bakery which generates most of their income and today is managed by their son.

Back on the farm, Jenny and Phil live off-grid and devote much of their time to planting native trees – a mission that started when they bought the property. Their efforts are striking, with nearly half the property now covered by about 60,000 native trees.

This extensive canopy has restored the local ecosystem – bolstering native bird populations and contributing to a vital kiwi corridor. The couple’s commitment to biodiversity extends to the next generation through participation in the Trees for Survival programme where they share their knowledge with students.

Their lifestyle is based on a philosophy of self-sufficiency, carbon use reduction and sequestration. All power is solar generated, the Graingers have installed independent systems for water collection and most of their food is grown on-site.

To create an income stream that’s additional to beef and the bakery, the Graingers have developed a banana orchard that is nourished via a unique closed-loop system. By working with the Hibiscus Coast Zero Carbon Trust and creating the City-to-Farm project, they collect community food scraps and process them to become nutrient-rich compost for the palms.

The Graingers are active in the Kaipara Regenerative Farming Group, trialing intensive grazing practices through the Future Ready Farms initiative, supported by the local council and Symbiosis, and using the satellite carbon‑measuring system managed by Nature Point to improve soil health and sequester carbon.

The judges said that, by prioritising the long-term health of the land, the Graingers are restoring and enhancing the ecological balance of their pasture, ensuring its productivity and sustainability for years to come.