In mid-May, we took delivery of the largest amount of hemp fibre we’ve ever had available for processing — a big step forward! It’s been fantastic working with the Midlands Seed team, and we’re already planning this year’s crops together.
We’ve now moved the Mackie textile plant into its permanent home — a huge thank you to Nancy King from Earthskin Trust for the opportunity to have this incredible piece of equipment here in Central Otago. There’s still a bit of work to do before it’s fully operational, but we’re excited about what’s ahead.
Back in March, we had a visit from the Future Whenua Initiative during their summit at Lake Hawea Station. Shortly after, Delia Bellaby (Chair of the Earth Building Association) visited HempCentral and Hiberna Modula at the Queensberry site — great conversations and promising connections!
In June, I was fortunate to attend the HempConnect Forum at La Trobe University in Victoria, Australia. I made up the New Zealand contingent alongside Richard Barge, who was the emcee for the event, and Michelle and Sam from Venture Taranaki. It was also fantastic to catch up with Andi Lucas from X-Hemp and Klara Marosszeky from the Australian Hemp Masonry Company.
As it happens, we’re teaming up again with Klara and the AHMC to run more Hemp Construction workshops. We’re planning two Hemp Building Practical Workshops, with a maximum of 30 participants across both groups. Each participant will complete the hemp construction online theory workshops with Klara before attending the hands-on sessions.
Thanks to all our partners, collaborators, and supporters — we’re making steady strides together.
About our Sponsor: HempCentral
From field to end product, HempCentral works across the entire value chain of the industrial hemp industry. Initially focusing on the production of hemp hurd for hempcrete buildings, they aim to develop and produce a variety of high-purity end products using all parts of the hemp stalk.
To learn more or contact HempCentral, visit their website below, or visit the Hemp Construction Course page to learn first-hand how to make hempcrete.
