Permablitz (noun):  An informal gathering involving a day on which a group of at least two people come together to:

1. Create or add to edible gardens at someone’s home
2. Share skills related to permaculture and sustainable living
3. Build community networks
4. Have fun

Permablitzes are free events, open to the public, with free workshops, shared food, where you get some exercise and have a wonderful time.

To be defined as a permablitz, each event must also be preceded by a permaculture design overseen by a designer with a Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) the most basic permaculture qualification. The permablitz concept can be used by anyone.

Based on the concept of reciprocity, taking part in a permablitz is a great way to learn a range of organic gardening and sustainable living skills and to meet others with similar interests.  Blitz days are a team effort to install or add to an edible garden, a bit like the Amish barn raising model. 

Here in the Bay of Plenty,  Permablitz is a network of keen people that help each-other to establish edible gardens based on permaculture principles.  First give a little, then get a lot in return.

Reciprocity & how to get blitzed

It’s hard to massage your own shoulders!  We recognise that setting up a highly efficient sustainable garden is the same! Permablitz leverages the power of teamwork and magic of permaculture to changes lives!

We’re a network of givers with a positive culture of reciprocity! But you need to give to others first, then receive in return.

Get involved, learn, be patient and give fairly. A blitz at your house will be well deserved and potentially reward you for years with an abundance of healthy food for minimal effort!

If you come to three or so permablitzes, we can help organise one at your house. That’s right. The permablitz network is based on reciprocal volunteer support.

When your’e ready, we can help connect you to a volunteer or professional permaculture designer, help you plan your blitz, promote it, and co-ordinate it on the day. For free. Sweet deal, aye?  see our Get Blitzed section.

Before a permablitz

Before a blitz happens, a host works with a permaculture designer to prepare their garden design. Some use volunteers, others choose to find a professional designer.

Once a plan is ready, the hosts start gathering  plants and materials.  Some possible dates for the big day are chosen several weeks ahead.

The designer then arranges some volunteer leaders to help on the day. Once all agree,  a blitz announcement is made here on the website.

The host then readies the site and the food for the day. Registrations are taken, the blitz details are sent out and,… hey presto ….Permablitz!

Permaculture design

Permaculture is a design system which helps integrate people and place  in ecologically harmonious systems providing a good portion of the needs of people living there. Permaculture systems work more like natural systems such as forests, requiring no artificial inputs and producing no waste.  See more on our What is permaculture?  page

Who co-ordinates  Permablitz  Bay of Plenty?  

Behind the scenes, Permablitz Bay of Plenty is a network currently entirely volunteer and informal. The Permablitz Designer’s Guild is made up of permaculture designers and student volunteers that design gardens for blitzes and actively provide leadership to run them .  Learn more about the Designer’s Guild and who co-ordinates it on the behind the scenes page.