We’re excited to be giving away two copies of Plant Fiend by Peter Butler to our GrownUps members!
To be in the draw, simply make sure you’re a GrownUps member, signed up to our newsletter, and fill in your details at the bottom of the page.
About Plant Fiend
The fascinating story of an entrepreneur who has been growing plants for most of his adult life.
In this memoir Peter Butler explores his relationship with plants, which have always been both a love and a refuge.
In the mid 1970s he and his then partner purchased 90 acres of dense rainforest in Golden Bay’s Aorere Valley. Living amongst the nīkau and rātā developed his passion for forest plants but it was gold-mining that helped finance his experimentation with commercial crops. He started with subtropical fruit, before becoming one of New Zealand’s first certified organic kiwifruit growers. When the wet climate and marketing issues put an end to the kiwifruit, growing cannabis was his next venture. It also did not end well for him.
Wanting a high value but legal crop to grow, Peter then researched the medicinal properties of New Zealand native plants. The plant with the best supporting science was horopito, one of the world’s oldest flowering plants.
His plantation of horopito now covers several hectares and the resulting business, Forest Herbs Research, has developed products utilising the plant’s powerful anti fungal properties.
Peter also helped grow a large online retailer of natural health and skincare products, HealthPost, based in Collingwood and owned by him and his family.
Plant Fiend is the story of a driven, risk-taking entrepreneur. His successes and struggles are described with honesty and humour, making for a wonderfully engaging, reflective read.
Author Information
After completing a Political Science and History degree at the University of Canterbury and moving to a remote forest in Golden Bay, Peter threw himself into several entrepreneurial activities, not all of which were successful. However, his relentless determination paid off with the highly regarded natural health companies Forest Herbs and HealthPost.
Outside of horticultural and business activities he has produced a feature documentary and written four books.
His current passion is to improve the biodiversity of the Wharariki Farewell Spit area as Chair of HealthPost Nature Trust.
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Terms and conditions
You must be a GrownUps member and subscribed to our newsletter to be eligible to enter.
The competition closes on 23rd September 2026. Winners will be notified via email by 24th September 2026.
It is your responsibility to provide a correct New Zealand postal address for prize delivery. GrownUps is not responsible for prizes sent to incorrect addresses.
Winners will be drawn at random by the GrownUps administration team.
GrownUps employees and their immediate families are not eligible to enter.
By entering, you agree to GrownUps using your name on social media as a winner of the competition.
One entry per household.
The prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or other items.
You must reside in New Zealand, as the prize can only be delivered within New Zealand.
You must be over 50 years of age to enter. Please ensure your membership details are up to date in your dashboard.
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