Name: Science Night 34: Compost Microbiology
Start: 2026-06-03T09:00:00+12:00
End: 2026-06-03T10:00:00+12:00
Location: Harbour View Hotel - Raglan. Est 1866

Compost isn’t just rotting scraps and lawn clippings. It’s a living system powered by billions of microorganisms working together to transform organic waste into rich, fertile soil.
This Science Night explores the hidden world inside your compost pile. Get a glimpse of the bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that break down organic matter, cycle nutrients, and build stable humus that supports healthy soil and plant growth.
Liz Stanway has been on a journey of discovery around compost making and food growing for several decades and is still learning. She is the originator of the composting system at Xtreme Zero Waste and is currently the Team Leader of the Organics Yard. Recently she took a deep dive into compost and soil microbiology and studied online with the Soil Food Web School established by Dr Elaine Ingham. Liz is keen to share some of her insights into the wonderful world of compost making with us.
Using local examples we’ll connect what’s happening at the microscopic level to practical composting. You’ll learn how different microbes operate in different types of compost and at different stages. How different recipes and ingredients result in different processes and different qualities of compost. Learn how a good compost supports long term nutrient availability, disease resistance, nutritious plants and even a healthy gut biome in humans.
If you compost at home, work in soil, or just want to understand how waste becomes life again, this session will give you a deeper look at what’s really going on beneath the surface.
Nau mai, haere mai! This is a FREE event held in the front bar of the Harbourview Hotel.
Arrive early if you want to order dinner, a drink, and snag a good table. Science Night commences at 7pm.
whaingaroa.org.nz/science-night
Many thanks to our Science Night funders The Sargood Bequest
www.sargoodbequest.org.nz