Built from the Land Up
BioRich began with a grower, a challenge, and a conviction that soil health mattered. In the early 2000s, Mike Glazebrook was running a large organic vegetable operation on the family’s Te Tua Station, experimenting with compost, fishmeal, and other natural inputs to improve soil structure and crop performance — particularly in squash and maize. Over time, regular compost use significantly lifted soil organic matter and resilience across the farm.
Seeing these results firsthand, Mike founded BioRich in 2004 with a clear goal: to help improve soils across Hawke’s Bay in the same way his own land had benefitted. By turning organic waste into high-quality compost, BioRich offers a way to restore fertility, reduce waste, and close the loop on organic inputs.
Today, BioRich remains a family-owned, multi-generational business. We operate two composting sites in Hawke’s Bay and supply compost to Te Tua Station, neighbouring farms, home gardeners, landscapers, and commercial growers throughout the region. Our focus is simple — build better soils and leave the land stronger for the next generation.
What Else We Do at Te Tua Station
Regeneration in action
Te Tua Station is more than a composting base and working farm — it’s a working example of full-circle land restoration.
Mike Glazebrook & daughter Olivia (1994)
Olivia Glazebrook & daughter Margot (2025)
Compost Application
We don’t just make and spread compost — we measure its impact. Our soil health records track year-on-year improvements in organic matter, nutrient balance, soil biology, and moisture retention since introducing Biorich compost. The data tells a clear story: healthy soil equals healthier pastures, higher productivity, and greater resilience to drought and erosion.
Planting for the Future
Alongside producing and applying our own compost, we’ve planted thousands of trees and native species across the farm. These plantings support biodiversity, erosion control, waterway protection, and carbon sequestration, helping to bring resilience and life back to the land.
Our planting includes:
Native riparian species
Wetland restoration
Shelterbelts for livestock and crops
Pollinator-friendly plants
Erosion control on hill country
Regenerative pasture and cover crops
This work reflects our commitment to restoring ecosystems — not just improving soil, but renewing the landscape at every level.
Organic Maize Growing
As part of our integrated land use approach, we are also certified organic maize growers. Our maize cropping system benefits directly from our compost and regenerative practices, helping us close the loop between organic waste, soil health, and nutrient-dense food production.
We’re proud to demonstrate that organics and productivity can go hand-in-hand, especially when rooted in healthy, living soil.
Want to know more about our organic maize? Feel free to get in touch.
"Proven on the family farm, applied across Hawke’s Bay — composting to cut waste, rebuild soil, and boost productivity."
Our Commitment to Community
At Biorich, we believe that looking after the land goes hand in hand with looking after the people and wildlife that call it home.
We’re proud to support a range of community and conservation initiatives that make a difference both locally and nationally. Whether it’s providing sponsorship, donating time and resources, or simply lending a hand, we’re committed to backing the people and organisations that help build stronger, more resilient communities.