Using our waste to revitalise our soil

Little Buddies was born out of deep concerns around the state of our soils, and in response to the growing problem of organic waste in our landfills. The name "Little Buddies" refers to the army of worms that we use to accelerate the composting process and produce rich vermicast, which can then be used to boost soils with valuable organic carbon, minerals, nutrients, and microorganisms.

We receive waste paper, food scraps and even spent hops and yeast from offices, cafes, restaurants and other businesses in Cambridge, Hamilton and the surrounding area. The waste is converted into a high quality soil conditioner, which is then used on local farms, orchards and gardens.

We’ve created a completely circular system that processes waste locally, without trucking it around the country to mega-facilities, which means fewer trucks on the road, reduced fossil fuel usage and lower emissions.

By diverting organic waste from landfill, we can reduce harmful emissions and safely return valuable nutrients to the soil, as nature intended.

"Worms are the intestines of the soil." - Aristotle

Helping businesses embrace sustainability

By embracing and using ancient, natural processes, we can solve some very contemporary problems. We are actively seeking local businesses who have a passion for sustainability and who want to part of the next chapter in sustainable landfill diversion efforts in New Zealand. If you are a business who has a large amount of organic waste and a desire to see it managed in a responsible way, we'd love to have a chat.

From Landfill to Land: How Little Buddies Returns Nutrients to the Soil

Landfills are often the unfortunate endpoints for vast quantities of food waste. Yet, within these discarded scraps lie a wealth of nutrients that the Earth could reclaim. Little Buddies has embarkedRead more

Spring Soils: Impacts and Oppportunities

Spring in New Zealand is a time of profound change beneath our feet as soil temperatures rise and rain patterns shift. Understanding these changes is vital for every gardener and farmer.; here'sRead more

The Nutrient Cycle: How Little Buddies' Worm Farms Transform Our Environment

The nutrient cycle is an intricate and vital process that keeps nature in balance. Essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium cycle through ecosystems, supporting life at every turn.Read more

The Importance of Soil Structure and How to Prevent Soil Compaction

Soil structure is an essential aspect of soil health that is often overlooked. Soil that is compacted or lacking in structure can have a negative impact on plant growth and nutrient uptake, as wellRead more

Recyclable vs Reusable: Which should you use?

As consumers, we're increasingly aware of the impact our choices have on the environment. When it comes to packaging, there's often a choice between recyclable or reusable containers. In this post,Read more

The Power of Vermicast: Boosting Root Mass for Healthier Plants

Vermicast, the nutrient-rich byproduct of vermicomposting, is an excellent soil amendment that can have a significant impact on plant growth and health. In fact, vermicast has been shown to boostRead more

What are nematodes and why are they important?

Nematodes are fascinating creatures that are vital to soil health. They are one of the most abundant animals in the soil, with an estimated one million nematodes per square meter in agriculturalRead more

Soil Exhaustion: The Causes and Solutions

Soil exhaustion is a major problem affecting agricultural productivity and sustainability. Also known as soil depletion, or soil fatigue, these terms refer to depletion of soil nutrients and organicRead more

Protecting Soil from Extreme Weather Events Part 2: Drought

Climate change has brought with it an increase in extreme weather events such as droughts. These events can have a devastating impact on soil health, leading to erosion, nutrient loss, and reduced crRead more

Protecting Soil from Extreme Weather Events Part 1: Storms

Climate change has brought with it an increase in extreme weather events such as storms. These events can have a devastating impact on soil health, leading to erosion, nutrient loss, and reduced cropRead more

Composting in Temperate Climates: The 3 Most Effective Methods

Composting is an essential part of sustainable and regenerative agriculture, as it helps to reduce waste and produce nutrient-rich soil for crops. However, composting in temperate climates can beRead more

The Science of Composting and its Role in Regenerative Agriculture in New Zealand.

Composting is a natural process that has been used for centuries to recycle organic materials into nutrient-rich soil amendments. In recent years, composting has gained popularity in New Zealand as aRead more