The 2026 Underground Festival, held at Greystone Wines in Waipara, New Zealand, served as a significant focal point for the advancement of regenerative farming practices within Aotearoa. Organized by founder Fran Bailey and inspired by the United Kingdom’s Groundswell event, the multiday festival attracted approximately 400 farmers and industry stakeholders. A key component of the educational programming involved technical sessions on soil health and the application of biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More. By combining social engagement with expert-led discussions, the event aimed to shift the narrative surrounding the agricultural sector’s role in climate change, emphasizing the practical utility of carbon-sequestering amendments in modern farming systems.

The primary challenge addressed during the festival is the prevailing negativity and regulatory pressure facing the farming community regarding climate change and environmental degradation. In New Zealand, farmers often struggle to balance productivity with the increasing demand for sustainable land management and carbon footprint reduction. There is a notable gap between high-level environmental policy and the practical, on-farm tools required to transition toward regenerative models. Furthermore, the isolation of rural work often hinders the peer-to-peer knowledge exchange necessary for adopting innovative technologies, such as biochar, which can improve soil resilience and long-term carbon storage.

To address these barriers, the Underground Festival and contributors such as Jules Matthews of Mangaroa Farms provided a collaborative platform for technical education and community building. The solution focused on demonstrating the tangible benefits of regenerative tools like biochar in a “safe” and engaging environment. By integrating biochar discussions into a broader curriculum of soil science and waste management—including the valorization of brewery waste and forestry slash—the festival provided attendees with actionable strategies. This approach demystifies complex carbon sequestration techniques and aligns them with the farmers’ existing values regarding land stewardship and operational efficiency.

The outcomes of this initiative include a strengthened network of practitioners committed to regenerative agriculture and an increased awareness of biochar’s role in soil amendmentA soil amendment is any material added to the soil to enhance its physical or chemical properties, improving its suitability for plant growth. Biochar is considered a soil amendment as it can improve soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity.   More. Participants reported high levels of engagement with the technical talks, indicating a growing appetite for evidence-based sustainable inputs. The success of the 2026 event suggests a scalable model for agricultural extension that prioritizes producer well-being and practical innovation. By fostering an environment where biochar is viewed as a vital component of a circular farm economy, the festival has contributed to the long-term viability of New Zealand’s primary industries and its national carbon goals.