Urban Residential Food Forest in Te Puke
A Hub for Kai Resilience, Food Security, and Rare Tropical Plants
Welcome to our Urban Residential Food Forest in Te Puke — a living example of sustainable, community-focused growing. Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s kiwifruit capital, this space is more than just a garden; it’s a thriving ecosystem that fosters kai resilience, food security, and a deep appreciation for the wonders of tropical and rare plants.
Our Vision
Our food forest is designed to demonstrate how urban spaces can be transformed into abundant, productive landscapes. By integrating permaculture principles with tropical horticulture and innovative growing techniques, we’re creating a sustainable system that provides fresh, nutrient-rich food while supporting biodiversity.
We believe in a future where communities are empowered to grow their own food, reduce dependence on imported produce, and reconnect with the land.
What You’ll Find in Our Food Forest
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Tropical Fruit Delights
Experience the unexpected joy of tropical fruit flourishing in Te Puke! Our forest is home to a variety of exotic fruits, including bananas, papayas, cherimoyas, guavas, and even cacao. These plants demonstrate the potential of subtropical and tropical cultivation in New Zealand’s microclimates. -
Rare and Edible Plants
We’ve curated a diverse collection of rare and unusual plants, ranging from perennial vegetables to edible flowers and medicinal herbs. These plants not only enhance food security but also highlight the rich diversity of plant life that can thrive in our region. -
Layered Ecosystem Design
Drawing inspiration from nature, our food forest mimics the structure of a natural forest, with layers of trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers, and root crops. This design maximizes productivity, reduces maintenance, and creates a self-sustaining environment. -
Innovative Growing Techniques
From raised beds and syntropic agroforestry to hydroponic and greenhouse setups, our site showcases a variety of methods to suit different growing spaces. Visitors can learn about these techniques and how they can be applied in their own gardens.
Why Kai Resilience Matters
In a world where supply chains are increasingly fragile, growing our own food is more important than ever. Kai resilience means ensuring communities have access to fresh, locally grown food that is sustainable and secure. Our food forest is a step toward achieving this vision, inspiring others to take action in their own backyards and beyond.
Join Us in Growing the Future
We offer workshops, guided tours, and hands-on planting experiences to share the knowledge and joy of growing food sustainably. Whether you’re interested in tasting exotic fruits, learning about rare plants, or understanding how to create your own food forest, we invite you to join us.
Our Te Puke food forest is also a hub for community collaboration. We work with local groups to install raised garden beds, teach sustainable practices, and build kai resilience together.
Visit Us
Come and see the magic for yourself! Get inspired, connect with like-minded growers, and discover the beauty of tropical fruit and rare plants thriving in an urban setting. Together, we can build a more sustainable, resilient future — one plant at a time.
Contact Us to learn more or book a visit. We’d love to show you around and share our passion for food forests and plant diversity!
