Here is a great clip on composting. This is part one of three which are all on YouTube.
The couple responsible Kirsen and Nick have also created a compost calculator which looks pretty nifty and a website documenting their new challenge as they leave the city behind and begin living sustainably according to permaculture principles.
http://www.milkwood.net/resources/tools-and-calculators/compost-calculator.html

Joe Polaischer died peacefully at Rainbow Valley Farm, a placed he loved and cared for so much, on 14 February (Valentines Day). He and his partner Trish moved to gorse covered and possum-infested hills over 20 years ago, and through inspiration, wisdom and hard work, allowed nature to develop a highly diverse, productive, healthy and beautiful place. A place they shared with so many people, through their generosity and commitment to a better and more fulfilling way of life.

Rainbow Valley Farm is much more than a farm, highly productive though it has become, and Joe paid attention to every aspect and every detail of the place. Everything from the whole concept to the smallest part was crafted, with loving care, down to the door handles and the toilet seats.

Rainbow Valley Farm has come to be an outstanding example of permaculture in New Zealand, and is recognised around the world for the high standard it demonstrates, and the challenge it poses. Like all permaculturalists, Joe had enough madness in him to build an oasis of sanity in an insane world. He fearlessly issued the challenge, while living what he called for. He had the courage, concern and understanding to live a life of enough, within the bounds and bounty of nature, while demonstrating that, really, anyone could do it — you just have to change direction and start, one step at a time.

Joe worked so hard to take the messages, practices and hope of permaculture to as many people as he could, despite the prevailing complacency, disregard and outright denial, which always frustrated him. He had a profound understanding of the absurdities, foolishness, and greed of our current way of living, and an equally deep concern, commitment and compassion for all of life on this small planet we share. He was always willing to share, to engage, and to take action where he could. He was a master of the ethics and craft of permaculture, here and overseas, especially in Europe, where he was a presenter and tutor at many permaculture courses.

Joe will be greatly missed, but we will honour him by continuing the work he committed so much of his life energies too. Farewell friend and guide. Aroha from Aotearoa.

Gary Williams — on behalf of the PiNZ Executive.

If you wish to send a message to Trish and family, please send it first to Finn Mackesy at kaitiaki@orcon.net.nz. He will then combine them and send them on — so the RVF e-mail is not overloaded.

If you wish to send a message to be read out at or displayed at the funeral on Saturday (16th) or after gathering send it to Friends of RFV address: friends.of.rvf@gmail.com. They ask that you keep it short — one sentence or no more than a text message in length. For these please put “*Please Convey this Message*” in the *subject line* as this will make it much easier to sort out the many messages we anticipate in the short time until then. We will do our best to share these messages where possible

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Permaculture In New Zealand

The film that started the revolution.

If you live in the Rodney area do not miss this chance to see it.