Permaculture Design Certificate
Modular Course

( PDC )

Experience how our permaculture system generates creative livelihoods of abundance. 

Observe the dynamic interaction between landscape, climate, water, plants and animal species.   

​Become immersed in and learn about all aspects of a working permaculture system, from design to implementation.


​March - August 2020 BOOKED OUT

Next Course:
March - August 2021 (BOOKED OUT)
​
6 Module PDC Course
One weekend per month 

​$1600
---- or ----
​$290 per module 

10% couples discount
(bring along a friend/relative or your partner and have this inspiring
learning journey together)

 Soil & Earth building, syntrophic forest gardening, biochar culture, biogas production and design, swales and terracing, mushroom production in permaculture, nutrition and ferments, nutrient dense market gardening, alternative energy, biodynamics, compost, holistic animal integration and guidance for individual permaculture design palns. 
The modular structure of our PDC course creates a strong sense of community and also allows you to digest, reflect and implement what you have learnt each month. Additionally, Klaus Lotz is an internationally experienced permaculture consultant, which we encourage you to take advantage of as you design your permaculture plan throughout the course.
We have structured the course to accommodate a variety of interests, experience levels and climate zones. You do not need to own, or be land-based to do this course. Permaculture, although often agriculturally based, is far-reaching and encompasses all forms of living. ​
❀​ We will weave theory content together with observational learning out in the field and design exercises.

❀​ This course will give you an in-depth understanding of the science behind permaculture and how to observe, implement and manage a holistic permaculture system.
❀ This is an internationally recognized 72-hour permaculture design certificate course.



​❀ We run a farm that is both a model for permaculture and sustainable living  as well as a functioning farm that supports our livelihood from the land.
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Tutor
Klaus Lotz
Leading permaculture innovator with over thirty years of international experience in consultancy, teaching and actively practicing permaculture.
Assistant teachers: Josh Keegan, Vanessa Keegan, Matthew Dami​​
Course co-ordinator: Frida Keegan

Permaculture is the conscious design of techniques and resources to create regenerative communities."
​- Klaus Lotz

​​❀ This course consists of 6 modules,
​each will blend practical learning, observation, classroom-based study and mentorship. 
​
❀​ To gain your PDC certificate, all 6 modules need to be completed. If you do miss one and you still want to get the certificate you are welcome to attend that module in another PDC course we run the following year. ​
❀​ We start with pattern and progress to detail. Every module, therefore, contributes to your understanding and skills to complete your own permaculture design. ​
❀​You will get a booklet containing lecture notes, slides and handouts at each module.  
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Free camping available
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4km from stunning Matapouri Beach

​Location: PermaDynamics Farm, Matapouri, Whangarei
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Contact us for recommendations on accomodation facilities nearby. 
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Otherwise, you're more than welcome to set up your own tent in our camping area. There are some beautiful walks through our mature native forest and nearby beaches to enjoy while you're here.
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We offer a unique learning environment, where you can be amongst a functioning permaculture farm, it is also a place of sanctuary surrounded by nature. 
PermaDynamics PDC Syllabus​
Saturday - Sunday
10am-5pm​
​
We serve a fresh organic salad from our market garden with sourdough bread for lunch and provide morning and afternoon tea for all the modules. 


  MODULE ONE
❀
March 12th-13th 2021
Pattern 
Theory & Principles of Permaculture
Concepts & Themes of Design
Systems Thinking & Methods of Design
Pattern Understanding
Zoning
Botany in Permaculture
Plant Identification & Interactions
Families &  Plant communities
Nitrogen-Fixing species
Succession Dynamic
Seed Sources 
MODULE TWO
❀
April: 17th-18th 2021
​FOOD PRODUCTION
Harvest of Organic Produce
Fermentation
Mushrooms in Permaculture
Biodynamic Market Garden 
SOIL
Compost & Biodynamics
Soil Rehabilitation & Erosion Control
Biochar & Terra preta

​
   MODULE THREE
​❀
May 15th-16th 2021
ECO-SYSTEMS & CLIMATES
Understanding Climate & Landscape
Designing for Different Climates
Windbreaks
Food Forest Designs and Management
Trees & Their Energy Transactions
​Weeds & Rampancy
EARTH & WATER
Water Harvesting & Management
Earth Resources
Swales
Hügel beds
Drought-Proofing
Erosion Control
MODULE FOUR
​❀
June 19th-20th ​2021
​HOLISTIC ANIMAL INTEGRATION
Ecological Pest Control
Holistic Rotation
Fodder Crops
Dung Beetles
AQUACULTURE
Fertigation
Ponds & Dams
Riparian Strips
Chinampas and Islas
3D ocean farming
MODULE FIVE
❀
July 17th-18th 2021​
APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY
Biogas Systems
Ecological House Design & Placement
Energy Conservation Techniques
Recycling & Waste Management
Alternative Energy
ECOLOGICAL BUILDING DESIGN
Earth Building
Structure & Facilities
Green Houses
Cellars
MODULE SIX
❀
August 21st-22nd 2021
THE INVISIBLE STRUCTURE
Strategies of an Alternative Nation
Co-operation and Resilience
Careers in Permaculture
Shared celebratory dinner
and
​certificate awards
DESIGN
Site Analysis and Problem Solving
Practical Design Exercises
Final Design Presentation


Once you have completed your PDC you will be invited to keep being apart of our community through annual PermaDynamics PDC graduate get togethers and continual information sharing through our Permaculture Network.  

​Testimonials:
​
Kym Marsden - Whangarei Heads
PDC September 2018 - March 2019
​I have enjoyed this course immensely. I don’t want it to end.  The family as a whole is a joy to be around and their collective knowledge is huge.  There is a good balance of inside and outside time and being with like minded people creates a positive energy to thrive from.
 With new insight of the big picture and the role we play in it, it is possible and contagious to learn to view your life, your choices and environment in a new ‘permi way’.   Huge thanks.

Aroha nui

Kym"
Sean Malcom - Whangarei
PDC September 2018 - March 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
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 Priestley 
​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!


​ENROLL HERE


    Payment instructions will be sent to you shortly after you submit this form along with any questions you may have. 
    ​
    Thank you for your interest, we look forward to hearing form you!


Gear list:
Gumboots/outdoor footwear, hat, sunglasses, note book and pens.
​We will provide an information booklet and lecture notes and slides for each individual module. 

Cancellation policy:
100% refunds on cancellations within 7 days of booking date.
80% refunds given outside of the 7 days from booking date.
​No refunds given with less than 48 hours cancellation notice.
$30 re-booking fee for each module missed. 

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