Sjoerd Vink
Grand Master of Jungle Magick
Hi I’m Sjoerd, a passionate advocate for food sovereignty and sharing holistic ways us humans can interact with our environment in a self perpetuating way. Nature creates abundance and I have found that the more I observe and study her the more I learn. Syntropic agroforestry provides a way for me to apply what she teaches and speed up her cycles.
I have a deep passion for spreading this “forgotten” knowledge far and wide as it is my personal opinion that in doing so we can heal our soils from the entropic, mono cropping agricultural industry which has proven to be nothing less than destructive and as world leaders are becoming aware must end!
My love for growing food was passed down to me by my grandfather and remains a central part of my life. This deep-rooted passion led me to work in the natural health sector for over six years, during which I developed my own health supplement and deepened my understanding of the holistic benefits of agricultural abundance.
After many years of managing my family angus cattle farm, I began to recognise the disconnect between modern agricultural practices and more holistic, nature-aligned methods, this led me to discover syntropic agroforestry - an approach that mimics natural ecosystems to regenerate land and produce food sustainably. This discovery ignited my desire to learn from the best, leading me to study and gain insights from leaders in syntropic farming in both Costa Rica and Brazil.
Driven by a shared vision, I co-founded Syntropic Roots Ltd with like-minded individuals. Our company is dedicated to raising awareness and providing education on sustainable food cultivation based on the principles dictated by nature. Currently, we are focused on integrating syntropic agroforestry into schools in Northland, empowering future generations with the skills necessary to cultivate food sustainably.
Through establishing demonstration sites, I aim to inspire both individuals and communities to embrace methods that align with natural laws and ancestral wisdom, fostering a harmonious relationship with the environment.
My commitment to enhancing food sovereignty and ecological resilience guides my efforts to strengthen communities, nurture our land, and foster a future where ecosystem based agriculture becomes the standard.
India Power
High Priestess of Photosynthesis
Ko Marotiri te maunga, ko Maungahauini te awa, ko Ngāti Porou te iwi, ko India tōku ingoa.
Kia ora! I'm India, māmā of 2, passionate advocate for food sovereignty and devoted practitioner of syntropy.
Growing up across rural Australia and Aotearoa, I was instilled with a deep respect for the whenua and the tikanga that sustained our tūpuna. My journey is rooted in the principles of kaitiakitanga, through creating resilient food systems that honor both people and te taiao.
My personal experiences with dry climate farming in a semi-arid Mediterranean context, has equipped me with invaluable insights into developing regenerative agricultural practices that thrive under demanding conditions.
Restoring sovereignty to our tamariki is my ultimate goal. At the heart of this mahi is our kai, which serves not only as sustenance but also as a vital educational tool, connecting us to our whenua and the mātauranga of our tūpuna. By engaging with the whenua to cultivate and prepare food, we impart essential knowledge onto our tamariki and reclaim our ancestral mana.
Through these connections, we honor the principle that "mā te whenua ka ora te tangata"— through the land, the people will thrive.
Mauri ora.
Luke Northam
Guardian of Mycelial Mysteries
Hey there, Luke here.
I’ve been passionate about growing food organically for the last six years, initially focused on providing nutrient-dense produce for my family. Over time, that passion has evolved into a journey of deep learning and meaningful connections.
Early 2024, I completed a Syntropic Agroforestry course, followed by a transformative trip to Costa Rica, where I earned my Permaculture Design Certificate. From there, I traveled to Brazil to learn from trailblazing teachers in the world of regenerative agriculture.
We visited diverse farms, engaged with passionate farmers, and witnessed grassroots operations that beautifully connect people to land and their communities. These experiences have solidified my commitment to regenerative agriculture and the creation of thriving ecosystems.
My passion lies in connecting people to land. By harnessing syntropic agroforestry principles, we nurture resiliency and strength within our communities, where food sovereignty is a core pillar.
I believe that engaging with these principles opens the door to a deeper connection to both nature and each other, taking these insights beyond the canopy and into our daily lives.
Rooted in Syntropy Podcast
Our journey began as three students of syntropic agroforestry, meeting through a food forest business mentorship program. What started as individual pursuits quickly transformed into a collective journey fueled by rich conversations and shared passions.
From these connections, rich conversations blossomed, leading us to launch our podcast in 2024. As passionate enthusiasts of syntropy, we explore our spirituality and the laws of the universe as we are guided by the principles of the forest, regenerative agriculture, and food sovereignty.
Our podcast is a space for raw, candid conversations where we strip away the filters to share our lives and lived experiences.
Join us as we delve into these transformative topics, offering insights and stories that foster a deeper connection with nature and each other.