Gareth Jones
Food Forest in Syntropy Course - ​November 2020
Klaus and Frida made us feel like part of their family from the minute we arrived. What they shared with us over the course of two days was the accumulated knowledge and experience of decades "in the field". This is more than a How To plant a food forest class. It is something like the philosophy, science and practice of healing the planet at the same time as healing ourselves."
Olivia Sumich
Food Forest in Syntropy Course - October 2020
Really inspiring introduction to soil regenerating syntropic food forests!
I am a city girl with a long held belief I have no talent for keeping plants alive and have avoided gardening for a long time. Despite this handicap I bought 4 acres of sheep paddocks with my friends with the idealistic idea that we would reforest it but no idea how or where to start. Encouraged to do this course by my friend and co landowner, I found myself immersed in the beautiful community energy and optimism of syntropic agro forestry. Wow! What an antidote to the depressing state of affairs we humans have created in the world! After the deep dive into the how and why and some really great practical examples of how to get started I am 100% going to make this happen on our land and I can't wait to meet all the awesome people that we will meet along the journey of growing a syntropic food forest on our land. I love this community, the values that drive it and I love the magical science behind the way trees communicate via the fungal threads that connect their roots. So delighted to have made this discovery. Great lectures - academic but not too hard to understand. Great structure to the whole weekend. Great food. You guys are pros."
Chris Bullen
​Food Forest in Syntropy Course - October 2020
Inspirational. Seeing your farm and what you have achieved helped me gain a sense of what is possible. Your family is wonderful- passionate teachers who practice what you preach.
Recommend the course unreservedly."
Aylish Shortland
​Food Forest in Syntropy Course - October 2020
An incredible weekend,
The course was structured really well
So much info was covered over the two days
with time for questions/feedback, tea and lunch breaks (delicious food/drink provided!)
Was amazing to meet the team at permadynamics and walk over the land/ a very inspiring and positive place where you can feel your dreams and motivation come to life!I came away feeling capable to apply the techniques learnt on my own property, feeling positive about ways we can grow food regeneratively and mitigate climate change!
Thanks!!"
Flur Jennings
Banana Growing Course - October 2020 
This course, far exceeded my expectations. From the beautiful location and fantastic tutors - to the absolutely delicious food that was prepared and served - this was an amazing experience. Learning how plants work together in harmony, and seeing the diversity of their food forest, was inspirational. Highly recommend this course!"
Kate Arbuthnot
​Women's Food Forest in Syntropy Course - September 2020
Frida was absolutely amazing; an inspiration, magnetic in personality and endlessly knowledgeable.
The course was so thorough, well-organised and content heavy. Broken down into manageable chunks and interspersed with heavenly tea breaks and a beautiful lunch provided by Ness in her gorgeous kitchen.
We all walked away inspired, excited and empowered and felt so honoured to have been a tiny part of the Lotz-Keegan family-business story.
I could not recommend this course more highly for anyone... from beginner gardeners to hardened farmers.
Thank you so much to Frida, Ness and Mattie for such an incredible opportunity. Watch out... we'll be back!."
​
Hanna Stone
Food Forest in Syntropy Course - September 2020
The Permadynamics family have enhanced my knowledge on agroforestry, regenerative farm practices and fast-tracking Aotearoa’s climate ready response! Their teachings provide practical examples of how we can directly influence the micro- (which leads to influence of the macro-climate, through better farming practices which then can have a direct impact on lessening droughts & floods, working with the land not against it, while efficiently feeding our NZ Whānau. Your teachings were so valuable in giving us the tools to start applying these permanent agriculture principles immediately in the space we have. We’re so excited to see where you as a family lead us as NZers in this innovative and practical space. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and providing hope for the future!
Melina Blevans
​Food Forest in Syntropy Course - July 2020
The quality and quantity of information Klaus and Frida shared during the weekend workshop far exceeded my expectations. The entire course was incredibly organised and enjoyable. Thank you so much for sharing your home, passion and knowledge with our group"
Roo Heapy
​​Food Forest in Syntropy Course - February 2020
The course was incredible! Best 2 days of learning i have ever been apart of.
Klaus and Frida have a vast knowledge of plants, methods, principles & dynamics of growing food crops, perennials, annuals and most importantly to me, trees!
I have left the course armed with a lot of techniques, principles and ideas to go back to the UK apply to my own patch!
I also feel the network of people and skills you connect with on the course is so valuable and creates an endless resource for the future even from the other side of the world!
The way of life they have is shown and proven in front of your eyes to be thriving and a nourishing existence to strive for!
I'm so thankful to have found this course and have learnt so much to go forth and spread the idea and the seeds!"
Nandor Tanczos
​Food Forest in Syntropy Course - February 2020
It was great to see the system in operation and walk through and experience it first hand. Lots of powerful theoretical knowledge to ground it and understand the complexity of what was going on. Very inspiring and I am now keen to try it on my own place."
John Clark
Food Forest in Syntropy Course - January 2020
The presenters, Klaus and Frida, created a relaxed atmosphere and the material was presented in an orderly, comprehensible way.
I liked that the material was taught by two people who know it thoroughly, and who apply it so well that they earn their living from it.
It was very helpful to learn the theory then be shown how it is put into practice on the property.
It was very encouraging to see syntropic food forestry being practiced successfully on a very difficult site (very steep, clay soils with almost no topsoil when they started). I left thinking that if they can do it there, it can be done anywhere.
I found it very helpful to see an example of a well established, profitable food forest, as well as a recent one that is just being established (to get an idea of what it will look like at the start).
And I liked how Klaus and Frida did not attempt to hide any mistakes but rather, show how these can be rectified to continue the productivity of the syntropic food forest.
To my mind, it was a great course and I would thoroughly recommend it to those with no knowledge as well as those who are knowledgeable about permaculture."
Karen Ward Stewart
Food Forest in Syntropy Course - April 2019
I loved the course, but I knew I would before I even booked. I loved meeting so many others on the same path and with the same aspirations, so great to hear everyones stories and in such a beautiful setting. For me the course was a perfect mix of theory / practice / sitting / walking about / breaks.

I also thought that the 10 am to 4pm over 2 days was great. I have done courses where it was 9 to 5 of intense information in one day, and while still awesome, i found 2 days at those times gave me more time to absorb the information and not come out completely overwhelmed. 

Loved Klaus' sense of humour. Loved the visit up to Frida and Matt's place. I have a 13 year old daughter who wants to do just this on our land so it was great to show her these photos. 

Loved so many ways to deal with clay and kikuyu as this is exactly what I am dealing with."
Dot Waetford - Matapouri
Food Forest in Syntropy Course - 2 . April . 2019
Loved the relaxed and friendly attitude. Informative and encouraging."
Sean Malcom - Whangarei 
PDC September 2018 - February 2019
Kia ora 

I’d just like to take the time to share with those of you that read this post; I’m a current student/permaculture enthusiast on the PDC course with this amazing whanau. They are doing great work up here in Northland, exposing a genuine and authentic practise that gives great clarity and tools that can be applied on literally any piece of land and or business model. Even to the way we relate to oneself. They deliver the knowledge in such a great way that it becomes exciting to attend the next course. 
Klaus is an amazing lecturer that makes things seem very attainable with the broad knowledge/skills he has practised over his career. 
I highly suggest permadynamics to anyone considering the leap.... a great investment "
Danielle Plowman - Auckland 
PDC March - August 2018
The course has opened my mind to the actuality of having nutrient dense biodynamic food. Its possible for us all to integrate this whether it be larger scale land or small urban plots. We were treated with a deep knowledge of permaculture growing, stunning surroundings, a community environment and really good cookies and "Tea Wakawaka" Tea at morning tea. You will be thrilled with your course, and the 100's of other unexpected bonuses that will come during this time."
Seth Smith - Auckland 
PDC March - August 2018 
Amazing. Absolutely amazing! The Permaculture Design Course at Permadynamics with Klaus, Vanessa, Frida, Matt and Josh was the highlight of 2018 for me! It was the opening of a new door in my life. The inspiration this group of people have given me is beyond words and I feel so grateful that I got to be a part of what they’re doing. 
I loved the way the course was setup over 6 months, giving me a good escape from Auckland city each month! The valuable information this group of people have shared with me is something I will always carry with me and continue to expand and learn about over the duration of my life. 
The crafts, skills and knowledge that Klaus has, blows my mind!
What these guys are doing is very admirable and I would recommend anyone who is interested in a better, healthier life for themselves, their family and friends, and the planet to book in with Permadynamics ASAP!


Matthew Priestly - Auckland   
​PDC March - August 2018
​Thank you all so much for sharing it with us! Joining you for the PDC over the last six months has been an inspiring and life changing journey. I feel as though I was searching for a long time to finally find this deeply spiritual and caring philosophy. It has been wonderful to share the last six months with such a great bunch of people. Your hospitality, kindness, and knowledge have no doubt touched all of us.  I will have fond memories of the experience for the rest of my life. You have set me on a journey that I know will be filled with many wondrous experiences and much learning. Thank you for the inspiration and for sharing your amazing projects, achievements and knowledge. I couldn’t think of a better setting to learn about how to save ourselves, the world and have so much fun doing it!
​Scott -  Whangarei  
​Forest Garden Workshop  22 . November . 2017
Thank you for the info-packed forest garden  weekend. I learned more in that couple days than months of private study and reading. The concept of Forest Gardening had never occurred to me nor the terracing of our hillside. Now the ideas are incorporated into our little homestead like they have been there all the time. Thanks again for making our time so productive.
​Allison - Whangarei 
​Mushroom Course 10. November . 2017
What a great mushroom course. It was so practical. I had read so much about mushroom growing in the past but nothing had ever clicked and it always seemed just a little too complicated. Your course explained the concept so simply and the practical approach really taught me how to start production in the way that I learn best - hand on. The best part was getting our own mushroom starter kit to take home. Every flush of Oyster mushrooms we stand amazed at the volume before we twist them off to share with friends. I imagine we sound so smart while we explain how we grow our own mushrooms. In the end I always recommend your course so everyone knows where the information really came from.
Scott - Whangarei
​ Biochar and Biogas Workshop 22 . Oct . 2017
Thanks for the biochar course. We just bought a cast iron bathtub from the dump and are gettin gready to start our own production for our little homestead. The course was really time productive and getting moments to ask Klaus about how to incoperate the ideas into our plot was well worth the effort of the class.
​Brodie  - Canada
​21 . October . 2017
An amazing place to spend time!
I had an incredible time here on this beautiful piece of land with a wonderful family. It is very obvious that the "permadynamics" setup that they run here works very well to support themselves, as well as a market stall in whangarei. There is much to learn for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge in the area of using permaculture and biodynamics techniques to organically grow an abundance of fruits, vegetables, meats, and everything in between. This is also an excellent place to for anyone who wants to eat healthy, delicious food with good company. The friendly goats and horses are a bonus for animal lovers! I hope to come back someday!
Toula  -  Utah U.S.A  18 . July . 2017
Permacuture and family magic at it's finest
My time with Klaus, Vanessa, and Frida was unforgettable. What this family has created is truly spectacular and permaculture at it's finest. From goats to forest gardens, to wildlife and humans, everything here is connected and has a purpose. Something you will learn and appreciate at Mamaki. I was fortunate to be here at a time with many chances to learn from Klaus and his teaching magic whether it was a biochar class, forest gardening, composting, or just touring the property. Vanessa is a cooking wizard and somehow makes something delicious out of anything. Thanks for all the nutrition talks and especially the art talks! Frida was the welcoming magic to the farm and I enjoyed working with and learning from you. Can't wait to see those gardens grow!! Many thanks and much love!
Isabelle - Tennessee U.S.A
​   27. November. 2016
My favorite experience in NZ !
I could see myself staying much longer then I did! It was beautiful. I felt that Vanessa, Frida, Matt and Klaus knew a lot about life and the things that really matter. Klaus's story is amazing! I see his love in his work and the regenerative agroforestry was simply an inspiration to live around. I loved being around them and the community they live in. It was a wonderful experience. I learned more about permaculture and sustainable living which is exactly what I wanted. I want to adapt a lot of the ways they live to my life as well :) Thank you! I hope life will bring me back.
Maximilian - San Francisco 
​ 7th . May . 2016
The most friendly and grounded people I've had the pleasure to meet! Work is demanding and plenty, but with much purpose, fun, beauty, and coffee or swimming breaks. Very welcoming community, felt so at home. Sad to leave! Very diverse farm that's perfect for someone interested in delving into small scale farming. Food forestry, vegetable gardening/marketing, raising animals, growing mushrooms, food preservation, and biogas production can all be experienced here. Amazing diversity in the food forest! Excellent fishing nearby. Will miss you all!
Sibylla and Tom - ​Sweden 
​ 22 October 2015
"Living the sustainable dream"
Klaus, Vanessa, Frida,  Josh and Matt are a lovely family with a lot of knowledge. If you are truly into sustainable living, this is the place to learn Fantastic food on a fantastic farm! Enjoy!
Andrew - Colorado U.S.A
​6 . May . 2015
"What Farming is all about!!"
Their home encompasses so many aspects of sustainability and they both have a broad range of knowledge dealing with permaculture, organics, healthy living and so much more. If you learn best by doing and your interested in seeing how a farm REALLY works then you should do your best to visit Matapouri. There is some hard work to be done but you will be given ample opportunities to explore near by beaches and have time to yourself. The other members of the communities are friendly and very welcoming. Bert and Kath were especially inviting and they also have so much info and experiences to share. Thanks again!
Matthew - U.S.A
​ 20 . February . 2015
Best place to learn in NZ! I had the distinct pleasure of learning from Klaus, Vanessa, Josh, Matt and Frida, and it was by far my greatest experience in farming. They are all incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of sustainable living, from permaculture principles, biodynamics, and forest gardening to simply minimizing our impact on the earth. The Mamaki community is a wonderful environment, as you get to engage with many different people and experience different farming operations. You couldn't possibly ask for better food either...everyone in the family is an excellent cook or brewer or fermenter or cheese maker. I'm so impressed, full of knowledge, full of passion!
Luke - Bristol U.K
13 . June . 2015
"A true farm."
The stay I had at PermaDynamics was my last, longest and by far the best experience I had during my stay in NZ. Mamaki is a unique place with opportunities to meet a lot of other interesting people of all ages. The food is fantastic, fresh and healthy, once you've tried home grown bananas you never want to go back, also the homegrown mushrooms were fantastic and all the other home grown food for that matter. Vanessa and Josh are great cooks and fresh fish and wild meat were often on the menu. If you want a true farming experience this is where I would recommend. You really can learn a lot by asking questions as this is a very unique place which takes organic principles and permaculture etc further. Klaus and Josh are both very knowledgable (Klaus being a permaculture teacher.) The family really is lovely and always made me feel very welcome and at ease, the conversation was also great, often interesting and stimulating.  I really felt a part of the family. If you can I would suggest a longer stay as only then can you experience a wider range of work and recreation here. If you want to experience a truly wholesome life with a high level of self sufficiency this is the place for you. If you can you give Klaus, Frida, Josh, Matt and Vanessa a hand you should, you won't regret it! 


Thank you! 
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