Putiputi Ra - Health and Eco Store Whangarei

05/09/2026

Not good news!
5/09/2026 EPA Confidential Pesticide Approval Bypasses Environmental Protection
https://www.gefree.org.nz/.../5092026-confidential.../

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPANZ) has approved 102 experimental pesticides - 82 from Syngenta and 20 from Corteva AgriScience. They will be subject to glasshouse and field trials over 3-4 seasons. These experimental pesticides include a range of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and plant growth regulators, which are in the early stage of development. [1],[2].
There is currently no data existing on these compounds and all information on the formulations of these pesticides is confidential and locations of the trials are secret. It is not known whether some of these compounds will be from made from synthetic genetic material to produce a new class of pesticides made with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA).

Approval has already been given in NZ for trials involving the use of dsRNA to sterilise the varroa mite, a persistent pest in honeybee populations. The use of dsRNA has shown limited effectiveness compared with existing hive treatments. Unknown risks with the use of dsRNA include the possibility of sterilising queen bees and drone bees. The varroa mite may also become resistant to the dsRNA pesticide with time. [3]

The confidential nature of the approval bypasses the environmental protection that is required in legislation. Field trials of over 100 new pesticides will require many hectares of land.
“It is highly irresponsible of the EPA to approve such a high number of toxic pesticides when nothing is known about their compounds," said Claire Bleakley, of GE Free NZ. "They could pose potential health and ecosystem dangers and the public will have no access to any data from field trials. They will also not know about the toxicity on non-target organisms and our flora and fauna.”
Another concern is the risk of toxicity to other beneficial insects and animals.

All genetically engineered products, including dsRNA, are prohibited in organic agriculture, and any spray drift or contamination from them would threaten the organic industry. The lack of consultation with organic and regenerative farmers, and with beekeepers is of high concern.[4],[5]
The use of dsRNA pesticides, such as that used to control varroa mite, could result in our honey being contaminated with dsRNA. Some countries may reject our export honey because of this. In the past Japan has returned honey after detecting residues of the herbicide glyphosate.[6]
“The EPA is violating its responsibility to protect the public and farmers by fast-tracking more than 100 toxic chemicals with unknown risks and allowing large scale field trials. Some of these pesticides could possibly be made using AI synthetic molecules." said Bleakley

"Serious questions need to be asked as to whether the EPA is rubber stamping corporate chemical cocktails or protecting the environment and health of all organisms.”

5/09/2026 EPA Confidential Pesticide Approval Bypasses Environmental Protection
https://www.gefree.org.nz/press-releases-2019-2025/5092026-confidential-pesticide-approval-bypasses-environmental-protection/
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPANZ) has approved 102 experimental pesticides - 82 from Syngenta and 20 from Corteva AgriScience. They will be subject to glasshouse and field trials over 3-4 seasons. These experimental pesticides include a range of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and plant growth regulators, which are in the early stage of development. [1],[2].

There is currently no data existing on these compounds and all information on the formulations of these pesticides is confidential and locations of the trials are secret. It is not known whether some of these compounds will be from made from synthetic genetic material to produce a new class of pesticides made with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA).

Approval has already been given in NZ for trials involving the use of dsRNA to sterilise the varroa mite, a persistent pest in honeybee populations. The use of dsRNA has shown limited effectiveness compared with existing hive treatments. Unknown risks with the use of dsRNA include the possibility of sterilising queen bees and drone bees. The varroa mite may also become resistant to the dsRNA pesticide with time. [3]

The confidential nature of the approval bypasses the environmental protection that is required in legislation. Field trials of over 100 new pesticides will require many hectares of land.

“It is highly irresponsible of the EPA to approve such a high number of toxic pesticides when nothing is known about their compounds," said Claire Bleakley, of GE Free NZ. "They could pose potential health and ecosystem dangers and the public will have no access to any data from field trials. They will also not know about the toxicity on non-target organisms and our flora and fauna.”

Another concern is the risk of toxicity to other beneficial insects and animals.

All genetically engineered products, including dsRNA, are prohibited in organic agriculture, and any spray drift or contamination from them would threaten the organic industry. The lack of consultation with organic and regenerative farmers, and with beekeepers is of high concern.[4],[5]

The use of dsRNA pesticides, such as that used to control varroa mite, could result in our honey being contaminated with dsRNA. Some countries may reject our export honey because of this. In the past Japan has returned honey after detecting residues of the herbicide glyphosate.[6]

“The EPA is violating its responsibility to protect the public and farmers by fast-tracking more than 100 toxic chemicals with unknown risks and allowing large scale field trials. Some of these pesticides could possibly be made using AI synthetic molecules." said Bleakley

"Serious questions need to be asked as to whether the EPA is rubber stamping corporate chemical cocktails or protecting the environment and health of all organisms.”

References:-

[1]https://www.epa.govt.nz/assets/FileAPI/hsno-ar/APP205221/APP205221-Application-form.pdf
[2]https://www.epa.govt.nz/assets/FileAPI/hsno-ar/APP205201/APP205201-Application-form.pdf
[3] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/insect-science/articles/10.3389/finsc.2026.1814622/full
[4]https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048357525004961?via%3Dihub
[5] https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/72548-Organic-Notice-Operators-2026
[6] https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/124578526/japan-rejects-nz-honey-with-traces-of-weedkiller-glyphosate

ENDS: Contact –
Claire Bleakley -027 348 6731
Dr. Elvira Dommisse – 021-0575123

Organic NZ GE Honesty Safe Food Campaign NZ RCR Reality Check Radio NZ

Photo: Science Direct article

04/09/2026

Deliveries twice each week because we absolutely believe fresh is best! Enjoy!

04/09/2026

Recognise this familiar face? Here is a little did you know moment?!

In 1989, one mile into the Northland bush, in a tin hut with no electricity and just an old coal range oven was where the first loaf of bread was baked that was to become Rebecca Rolls’ passion and would eventually seed the beginning of Thoroughbread.

Inspired by a love of nutrition and the enjoyment of making quality food Rebecca would spend hours in the kitchen experimenting with different ingredients. The treading new ground energizes her and in time sparked the foundation of a new business.

In the early stages of Thoroughbread, Rebecca baked only wheat breads.

The breads were sold at a local market. It gave Rebecca a lot of satisfaction to have people come back each week and buy from her. Rebecca expanded the range to incorporate new varieties. Loving the experimentation of different food ingredients and the challenge of making a success of a new loaf was a driving factor for her.

Before long Rebecca started getting asked if she made Gluten Free bread. Inspired by the difficulty of making a loaf gluten free she set to work.

She decided that the only way she would be happy selling gluten free bread was if it met three requirements:
– taste great
– be nutritious
– have good texture and usability

Rebecca had strict expectations and listened to customer’s feedback as an extra guideline. The response was good from the out set but behind the scenes there were many frustrating moments. In time a recipe and method began to emerge.

As word of mouth traveled she was faced with a problem. She couldn’t produce enough gluten free bread to meet demand.

Due to this Rebecca decided that Thoroughbread would stop making wheat bread and become exclusively gluten free.

She loved the constant challenge and the great satisfaction she was getting when achieving success. It is a decision she has not regretted.

Demand for Thoroughbread’s gluten free bread has been overwhelming and outlets around the country continue to grow in number.

“Starting from scratch, when preparing the ingredients, gives me the involvement I love and the result I am proud of. I have found the whole process of getting to this point, which was full of disappointing failures and triumphant successes, so colorful and satisfying. I feel like I have tamed the wild horse and also feel I have met the three requirements that I set out to achieve in gluten free bread. In saying this, my expectations are constantly being refined so I have concluded that it will always be a work in progress. I hope that you enjoy the bread as much as I have the journey. “

– Rebecca Rolls

https://thoroughbread.co.nz/about/

31/08/2026

📣Join us for an organic discussion on Wednesday evening! 📣

Growers, farmers and consumers, this MPI organic consultation could affect you. We are seeking Soil & Health member feedback; supporters also welcome (and we'd love you to join!).

The online meeting is this Wednesday 2 September, 7.30-8.30pm, to discuss MPI proposals for organic regulations and give your feedback. Scroll down for meeting link.

Our Soil & Health Association rep on MPI's Organic Sector Advisory Council, Jenny Lux, will lead the discussion.

Topics include:

1) 💲 What should the threshold be for organic product turnover before a business has to be verified as organic? Currently set at $10,000 per annum, but should it be $12,700 to account for inflation, or $30,000 to align with the same threshold for collecting organic levies? Or something else?

2) ✅ The national organic mark or logo.

3)❓ Anything else about organic regulations - bring your questions.

Full information about MPI's consultation is on their website here https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/proposed-changes-to-new-zealands-organic-regulations

Feedback is due by 22 September - all are welcome to make submissions, and Soil & Health will make a submission following member feedback.

Link to join the meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/jc/88396483807

Photo: Chameleons Eye, iStock

31/08/2026

Do you need this? Hard copies to peruse in store!

Your Information is 100% secure and will never be shared without your express permission. You'll also be kept up to date with any related news and information. You can unsubscribe at any time.

30/08/2026

Ocean Organic NZ quality you can trust! Available in store!
NZ Herbs and Seaweed Healing Ointment -
Excellent for deep cuts and surface cuts, eczema, boils, piles, itchy bites, burns, grazes, cold sores….the only ointment you need in the medicine cabinet!
Contains: Karamu for itching; Miro antiseptic for bruises and wounds; Kawakawa for aches, pains and cuts;
Flax root for cuts and burns; Kohekohe for inflammation and bleeding; Manuka (Ti Tree) a natural antiseptic;
Karaka for wounds; Karengo seaweed to soothe and heal;
Lavender oil for burns; Grape seed oil to aid healing;
Rescue remedy for shock.
Infused on low heat into Lanolin & strained. The NZ native wild herbs are hand-picked and hand pressed,

Rose and Almond Nourishing Face CreamI is a high quality, luxurious face cream to nourish & revitalize the skin.
It contains: Evening primrose oil with antioxidants to help slow the ageing process; Rosehip seed oil with vitamin E for healing;
Rose geranium oil; Almond oil for soothing and healing;
Carrot oil; Rescue remedy for shock;
Kumarahou for skin irritations and rashes; Karamu for itching;
Harakeke; Pukatea; and Koromiko
The NZ native wild herbs are hand-picked and hand pressed. Because this product is unique and uses natural ingredients it should be kept out of direct sunlight

30/08/2026

Looking for a small practical, beautiful gift? Look no further, here we have Boxed & Raffia tied a combination of Lavender, Goatsmilk, or Seaweed soap.

The Oceans family has had these soaps specially made for us since 1996. They have a coconut base and are as natural as possible with organic ingredients added. Many people with skin irritation problems find they enjoy using our natural soaps.

New Zealand Seaweed Soap
Excellent all over body soap; to wash your hair; and as an exfoliant.
Generously filled with NZ native seaweed providing wonderful minerals and nutrients, and Evening Primrose Oil with antioxidants to slow the ageing process.

New Zealand Lavender Soap
Very smooth and gentle on your skin (ideal for shaving) and a wonderful ‘pick me up’.
Filled with real pieces of the organic lavender plant.

New Zealand Goatsmilk Soap
Smooth and creamy – great for sensitive skin, face and hair alike.

Also available in store separately.. Beautiful luxury soaps to freely pamper yourself ... Enjoy!

30/08/2026

New addition to the store, " Heal Better, Heal Faster " get your copy today! Author: Lynn Slovak is a holistic nutritionist, food educator, and writer with a long standing passion for both the joy and science of eating well.

After earning her Batchelor of Science in Holistic Nutrition (with Honours) from Clayton College in the United States, she ran a private practice in Reno, Nevada, supporting clients with issues such as chronic fatigue, stubborn weight gain and insulin resistance.

Since returning to New Zealand in 2016, Lynn has turned her focus to a subject now very close to our heart, using food to support recovery after illness, surgery or injury. Her approach blends traditional food wisdom with modern nutritional science, grounded in both clinical insight and her own experience.

Lynn now lives with her husband Greg on a small farm in Tutukaka, where they raise sheep, grow vegetables and aim for greater self sufficiency, it was here that she wrote " Heal Better, Heal Faster " - a practical evidence based guide to using real food as a tool for healing.

Along side her writing, Lynn is reopening her clinical practice and looks forward to working one on one with clients and speaking more widely about the power of nutritional recovery.

Don't worry folks, if we've run out we can order in specially for you, it's a beautiful hard back book your gonna wanna treasure forever and pass down to your kids..

Your friendly Putiputi Ra store, supporting local and spreading the love...

29/08/2026

Lion’s Mane is quietly earning its spotlight in pet wellness, especially for senior pets. Could it be a good fit for yours? Link provided below!

Lion’s Mane is quietly earning its spotlight in pet wellness, especially for senior pets. Could it be a good fit for yours? 🐶🐱

In today’s free article (linked below) ⬇️, learn if this mushroom could be a smart addition to your pet's routine, and what to look for in a high-quality product.

29/08/2026

If your dog is constantly licking or chewing her paws, allergies may not be the whole story.
Every time your dog walks through grass, yards, sidewalks, or outdoor spaces, her paws can collect pollen, mold spores, dust, fertilizers, pesticides, and other environmental irritants. Think of those furry feet as little Swiffers picking up everything in their path!
And simply wiping the paws off often isn’t enough. Irritants can hide between the toes, around the nailbeds, and deep in the paw pads. Link to article provided in the comments below!

🐾 Another Cause for Itchy Paws
If your dog is constantly licking or chewing her paws, allergies may not be the whole story.
Every time your dog walks through grass, yards, sidewalks, or outdoor spaces, her paws can collect pollen, mold spores, dust, fertilizers, pesticides, and other environmental irritants. Think of those furry feet as little Swiffers picking up everything in their path!
And simply wiping the paws off often isn’t enough. Irritants can hide between the toes, around the nailbeds, and deep in the paw pads.
One of my favorite simple strategies is a regular paw soak. 💚
A soothing foot soak can help physically remove environmental allergens and irritants from the skin while giving those hard-working paws a little TLC. For many dogs with seasonal paw licking, reducing their daily exposure can make a meaningful difference.
🐾 For medium and large dogs: use a bucket or basin and soak one paw at a time.
🐾 For small dogs: a shallow basin or sink works well.
🐾 Afterward: rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.
I’ve also included my Detoxifying Paw Soak recipe with green tea, apple c***r vinegar, Epsom salts, and an optional antimicrobial addition.
Save this recipe for your next itchy-paw flare-up! 🌿🐶
And remember: if your dog’s paws are persistently red, swollen, painful, smelly, or she’s licking them obsessively, don’t assume it’s just allergies. Yeast, bacterial infections, parasites, foreign bodies, and other underlying problems can also cause paw irritation and deserve a veterinary evaluation.
Healthy paws start with reducing what touches them every day. 💚 Grab the recipe details in my blog, link in comments 🐾