There’s a lot more to living GridFree than just solar power. While solar is at the heart of independence, off-grid living also means growing food, managing waste, and using tools that reconnect us to simpler, more sustainable ways of life. That’s why we love shining a light on other businesses in the GridFree community, like Crafty Gatherer.
From their base in the Papamoa Hills, Marco and Tess run Crafty Gatherer, guided by three key foundations: quality NZ-made craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and innovation rooted in tradition. Their handcrafted, New Zealand-made tools make it easier for families to garden, build soil health, and reduce reliance on big corporations.
From Building and PR to Crafting a Simpler Way of Life
Marco, a builder, and Tess, who worked in public relations, discovered their passion for traditional living after traveling and WWOOFing overseas. When they returned home, they lived in a commune, started a family, and began making tools that others soon wanted for themselves.
“Our goal is to connect people back to traditional ways of living that have less impact,” says Tess. “Every product we make is intentional, well thought out, and something we’d use in our own home.”
Handcrafted, Kiwi-Made Tools That Last Generations
Crafty Gatherer creates tools in small batches, with each product often handled a dozen times before completion. They also collaborate with local artisans: steelworkers, woodworkers, and leatherworkers, to keep everything truly Kiwi-made.
Their best-known product is the Forksta, a robust garden fork designed to aerate soil without turning it over, protecting soil health while being ergonomic for the gardener.
Other products include:
- Seed-raising trays and seed-saving screens
- Compost toilets and biochar burners
- Pulley laundry racks
- Handmade bread knives
- A variety of gardening and home tools that support sustainable living
“These are tools you could pass on to your grandkids,” Marco explains. “They’re strong, practical, and designed to support a more resilient lifestyle.”
Living Off-Grid: Responsibility and Freedom
Much like many of our GridFree customers, Marco and Tess live with an off-grid mindset. For them, resilience means taking responsibility for their waste, food, health, and family.
“It’s not about ease, it’s about freedom,” Marco says. “It’s hard work, but it’s rewarding. If something happens, we know we can grow our own food, manage our own waste, and care for our wellbeing.”
Their property, once bare paddocks, is now alive with vegetables, cover crops, and fruit trees. They compost, make biochar, and grow food year-round showing that even small steps can make a big difference.
Workshops and Community Connection
Over the years, Crafty Gatherer has also hosted workshops on gardening, cob building, butchery, and pizza ovens. These events give people practical skills while building community and confidence.
Often, Marco and Tess say, the best advice for beginners is simple: just start small. Grow what you like to eat, learn by observing, and don’t be afraid of mistakes.
Solar Power and the Next Chapter
Crafty Gatherer’s journey ties back to solar power, too. At their cabin, they used a GridFree Bach Kit to run a glamping setup. Now, as they plan their next home, a mudbrick build, they’re excited to go fully off-grid again with a new GridFree solar system.
For them, solar is part of a bigger picture: resilience, responsibility, and freedom. And that’s exactly what being GridFree is all about.
Explore Crafty Gatherer
If you’re looking for durable, handcrafted tools to support your off-grid lifestyle, visit Crafty Gatherer. And if you’re ready to take the next step toward energy independence, explore our range of solar kits and off-grid solutions right here at GridFree.