Grow Te Puke is a community initiative that grew out of Vector Group Charitable Trust’s commitment to building a resilient food system in our region. We’re dedicated to helping Te Puke residents become more self-sufficient by sharing our knowledge, skills, seeds, and seedlings so you can grow your own food, one backyard at a time.
We have been in this space since 2011 with first food forest install in Samoa, and impacted by Owen Mania Takuira-Ngaropo with the Rock community gardens.
We’re proud to be part of a wider network of Vector Group’s kai resilience initiatives, which includes projects like the unique tropical urban food forest and nursery initiative Troppo, the community-driven Crop Swap Te Puke. Our collective goal is to empower our community to build food resilience and create their own “backyard supermarket.”
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, we’re here to help. We host regular events and workshops and support our community on their growing journey in any way we can.
“From Paddock to Plate: Grow Te Puke Helps You Build a “Backyard Supermarket””
Are you keen to put fresh, homegrown food on your table but don’t know where to start? Do you want to feel more connected to your community and the food you eat? Grow Te Puke is here to help! We’re a community initiative dedicated to helping local residents become more self-sufficient by growing their own food, one backyard at a time.
As the name of a community organization, “Grow” signifies their mission to cultivate and encourage:
-
- Food resilience: Helping people grow their own food to reduce dependence on a global food supply chain.
- Community: Fostering connections and sharing among neighbors.
- Skills: Teaching people how to garden, preserve food, and live more sustainably.
- Empowerment: Giving individuals the tools and knowledge to create their own “backyard supermarket.”
In this specific case, “Grow” is a call to action, encouraging the community to actively participate in growing food and strengthening their social fabric.
What We Do
At our core, Grow Te Puke is about sharing. We believe that by sharing our knowledge, skills, seeds, and seedlings, we can empower our community to build food resilience. Our goal is to make gardening accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of experience.
We’re all about fostering a supportive environment. Think of us as your friendly gardening mentors. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or have never planted a seed before, we’re here to help you succeed in creating your very own “backyard supermarket.”
Join the Community
Growing food is more than just a hobby—it’s a way to connect with the land, with nature, and with each other. We host regular events and workshops where you can meet fellow gardeners, learn new skills, and get inspired. These gatherings are a fantastic way to swap stories, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate our successes together.
Get Involved
Ready to start your growing journey? It’s easy to get involved!
- Attend a Workshop: Learn practical skills like composting, seed saving, and pest control at one of our upcoming events.
- Share and Swap: Bring your extra seedlings or seeds to a swap meet and leave with something new to plant.
- Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay updated on events, ask questions, and share your own growing adventures.
Together, we can cultivate a more resilient, connected, and delicious future for Te Puke. Let’s get growing!