Sustaining the Growth Culture: Te Puke Values Help Establish a Tauranga Food Forest
The spirit of growth and community-building that defines our region was on full display today, just down the road in Hairini, as a major new community food forest project took a significant leap forward. Located at Changepoint Church, 131 Poike Road, this ambitious one-acre project is designed to become a sustainable source of fruit for the community, echoing the agricultural innovation we value so highly in Te Puke. This entire effort is being wonderfully organised by Cathy Harris, the visionary behind Changepoint Church’s impactful kai resilience initiative.
The work was powered by collaboration, specifically with members of the Tauranga Food Forest Group. I was delighted to work with Selena, a powerhouse of the group whose commitment shines through her inspiring food forest tours and community engagement. She puts in a fantastic effort, and it was a privilege to contribute our own plants alongside hers, watching as the vision for this new food paradise took shape.
The intention is clear: to fill the one-acre area and establish a diverse, enduring food source. Eight zones are in place, but there’s still vast potential. It was particularly inspiring to see the kids giving it their all, putting in the hard mahi with spades and wheelbarrows—a clear sign that this garden will grow a legacy of sustainability and work ethic.
The event, which took place today, was a triumph of community effort. The weather was mercifully kind, and the energy was sustained by a wonderful, generous morning tea provided by the organisers—a huge thank you to Cathy and her team. Everyone got stuck in, working together to plant what will become a valuable asset to the Hairini/Tauranga community.
This project, under the guidance of Cathy Harris, is a fantastic model for sustainable growth and community self-sufficiency. It proves that by pooling resources, donating time (and plants!), and maintaining a collaborative spirit, we can transform any piece of land into a thriving, productive asset. It’s the kind of grassroots growth that truly nourishes a region.