At Farmers Footprint New Zealand, we are committed to sharing the stories of those pioneering regenerative agriculture across Aotearoa. These farmers are restoring the land, fostering biodiversity, and building resilient communities for future generations.
We believe in working with nature to restore balance and vitality to our land.
Today, we highlight Greg Hart from Mangarara Farm, who embodies this philosophy. A leader in regenerative farming, nearly 30 years ago, Greg and his family recognised the limitations of conventional agriculture and embarked on a journey to transform their 600-hectare farm into a thriving, life-centric ecosystem.
Instead of relying on external inputs, Mangarara embraces holistic planned grazing, running nearly 700 cattle while significantly reducing sheep numbers. Rotating large herds daily enhances soil health, improves water retention, and encourages diverse pastures. The farm also integrates silvopasture—grazing livestock among trees—having planted over 85,000 native trees in partnership with organisations like Air New Zealand.
By embracing holistic grazing, agroforestry, and biodiversity restoration, Mangarara Farm has become a model for regenerative farming.
Gain insights from an interview on balancing profitability with regeneration, overcoming challenges, and the personal fulfillment that comes from working in harmony with nature. His story is an inspiring example of how farming can be both productive and restorative.
Greg: For me, regenerative agriculture is about putting life at the centre of every decision we make. Our goal is to optimise life—starting with the soil and expanding to biodiversity across the farm. We focus on minimising harm where possible while maximising positive impacts. Healthy soil biology leads to diverse pastures, and although we don’t do much cultivation or regrassing, we’ve embraced silvopasture and agroforestry to bring more life back into the system.
This approach attracts insects, birds, and other wildlife, creating a dynamic, thriving environment. Even having the farm open to visitors and running a lodge adds to this diversity, making Mangarara an exciting and vibrant place to be.
Greg: Budgeting is key—without profitability, we can’t stay in business for long. But we look at it in a holistic way. If we focus on building soil health, biodiversity, and community connections, financial sustainability follows. We’re also diversifying income streams to reduce risk and create long-term resilience.
Greg: Start small. You don’t have to change everything overnight. Try one new practice, observe how it affects your farm, and build from there. Experiment and learn from others. You’ll know if it feels right.
Greg: One of the biggest challenges is breaking free from conventional mindsets. We’ve been conditioned to see farming as an extractive industry, but in reality, it can be regenerative. Financial pressures and scepticism from peers can also be tough, but seeing the land respond positively keeps us going.
Greg: Animals are key to the system. By managing them in a way that mimics natural grazing patterns, we can build soil, cycle nutrients, and regenerate landscapes. Our cattle, pigs, and chickens all contribute to this natural process, each playing a role in improving soil health and biodiversity.
Greg: I think we’re at a turning point. Consumers are more aware, and farmers are seeing that industrial methods aren’t sustainable in the long run. The future will involve more collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and support to make regenerative practices more accessible and viable for all farmers.
Greg: It’s been deeply fulfilling. Farming regeneratively isn’t just about the land—it’s about our connection to nature, our community, and our purpose. Knowing that we’re leaving something better for future generations gives me hope and motivation every day.
At Mangarara, the journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. By working with nature, rather than against it, they’re proving that agriculture can be a force for healing.
Together, we can realise a more regenerative future. When we reconnect with farmers, soil, food, and community, we unlock the power of regeneration—for our health, our land, and our future.
At Farmers Footprint New Zealand, we believe in working with nature to restore balance and vitality to our land.
We exist to tell your stories, educate, and give direction and hope. Our future health depends on growing healthy, nutritious food and on farmers who produce food in a natural, toxin-free way, bringing health to our food system, environment, and community.
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