The Inspiring Journey of Meeting Owen Mania Takuira-Ngaropo and Joining His Vision for “The Rock” Papamoa Community Gardens

Fourteen years ago, in 2011, the Vector Group Charitable Trust was established, driven by a shared passion for community development, sustainable living, and empowerment. This was the same year that my journey took a remarkable turn when I met Owen Mania Takuira-Ngaropo, the founder of “The Rock” Papamoa Community Gardens. What began as a simple conversation quickly transformed into a commitment to his vision, which would go on to have a lasting impact on the local community and me.

A Vision That Inspired

I had heard whispers about Owen and his work in the community, but nothing prepared me for the passion and dedication I witnessed firsthand. Owen’s vision was simple yet powerful: to create a space where the community could come together, learn, and grow – both literally and metaphorically. “The Rock” Papamoa Community Gardens was founded on the principle of sustainability, community engagement, and providing fresh produce to those in need. The garden became a sanctuary where people of all backgrounds could unite to nurture not just plants, but relationships and resilience.

What struck me most about Owen was his infectious enthusiasm and belief in the power of community. The idea of growing food together, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other in the process was nothing short of inspiring. In a world where disconnection often prevails, “The Rock” served as a beacon of hope, a reminder that by working together, we could build something greater than ourselves.

A Community United

“The Rock” Papamoa Community Gardens was more than just a gardening project. It became a hub for personal growth, education, and a sense of belonging. People from all walks of life came together to grow food, share stories, and develop new skills. Owen’s leadership transformed what could have been a small, isolated initiative into a thriving community movement.

It wasn’t long before I found myself completely immersed in the garden’s mission. Owen’s unwavering dedication to the cause sparked a fire in me, and I was inspired to come on board and contribute however I could. Whether it was helping with the physical work in the gardens, assisting in organizing events, or spreading the word about the importance of sustainable food practices, being a part of the community felt like a true privilege.

The Power of Social Media in Spreading the Message

In 2012, as “The Rock” Papamoa Community Gardens began to gain traction, social media played a crucial role in connecting people who shared a passion for sustainability and community-building. The original Facebook page for the Hartford Road Community Gardens was a platform where supporters, volunteers, and those who benefited from the garden could interact, share updates, and grow the movement. You can revisit this page and get a glimpse of how it all started here: Hartford Road Community Gardens – Facebook 2012.

The page became more than just an online presence; it was a tool for building a network of individuals who were eager to support the cause. The power of social media helped amplify the message of “The Rock” and attracted even more individuals to join the growing community.

Today, the work of “The Rock” continues to evolve, with the focus still squarely on feeding local families with sustainably produced food. The new Facebook page, The Rock Papamoa, showcases the ongoing initiatives and efforts that continue to make a difference in the lives of those in the community. It’s a testament to how the garden has grown into a much-needed resource that is helping to meet the food security needs of Papamoa’s families.

The Ripple Effect: Transforming My Work at Vector Group Charitable Trust

The vision of “The Rock” Papamoa Community Gardens had a profound impact on my own personal journey, as well as on the work I was doing with the Vector Group Charitable Trust. At the time, our charity’s purpose was already focused on fostering community development and sustainability, but Owen’s approach to food security and community collaboration took our mission to new heights.

Inspired by the success of “The Rock,” we began to look at how we could integrate similar values into our work. This led to the development of the Kai Resilience Initiatives in the Te Puke region, where we sought to empower local communities through sustainable food practices and education.

The Kai Resilience Education program, particularly within Alternative Education in Te Puke, emerged as a key focus. We aimed to teach young people practical skills that would help them understand and participate in sustainable food systems, while also giving them a sense of purpose and community. It became a life-changing experience for many of these students, as they learned about growing food, self-reliance, and food security.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the importance of food security became even clearer. Thanks to the foundations we had built, we were able to step up and provide critical support. Our charity was at the forefront of helping communities with access to fresh produce and food resources. The relationships and networks we had developed through “The Rock” helped us distribute food quickly and efficiently during these challenging times.

Expanding the Vision: Troppo, Te Puke Nursery, and More

Building on the success of these initiatives, we continued to expand our vision. One of the most exciting projects we launched was Troppo, our tropical food forest. You can learn more about this innovative project and how it aligns with our broader mission to foster sustainable food systems by visiting Troppo. The tropical food forest not only showcases sustainable agriculture practices but also serves as a model for growing food in diverse environments.

Our Te Puke Nursery became another key component in our efforts, providing plants and educational resources to help local gardens thrive. As part of our ongoing commitment to support local growers, we also developed the Plant Supplier Directory, an online tool that helps connect individuals and organizations with nurseries and suppliers in New Zealand. Check out the directory at NurseryMap.

The Ripple Effect of “The Rock”

Fast forward to today, and the impact of “The Rock” Papamoa Community Gardens continues to ripple throughout the community. The garden has expanded, and its influence has inspired countless other projects around New Zealand. The success of the garden is a testament to the power of collaboration and the tireless effort of individuals like Owen Takuira Ngaropo, who dare to dream big and work hard to turn those dreams into reality.

Being a part of this journey has been nothing short of transformative. It’s not just about growing food – it’s about cultivating hope, fostering connections, and inspiring others to take action in their own communities.

As I look back on my experience, I am reminded of the moment when I first met Owen and the spark he ignited within me. His vision for “The Rock” Papamoa Community Gardens taught me that change is possible when we come together with a shared purpose, and that each of us has a role to play in making the world a better place.

If you’re looking to get involved in a project that truly makes a difference, I encourage you to take a page from Owen’s book and be part of something greater than yourself. The impact of community gardens like “The Rock” is immeasurable, and as I’ve learned firsthand, the journey of giving back is one that brings not only change but immense personal growth as well.

Rest in Love buddy

A Tribute to Owen Takuira Ngaropo and Our Fallen Heroes

Since 2021, we have experienced the profound loss of five incredible individuals who played pivotal roles in shaping the mission and vision of the Vector Group Charitable Trust. Each of these remarkable people left an indelible mark on our work, our hearts, and our community. Today, we pay tribute to their legacies, and remember their contributions that continue to resonate in the work we do.

Owen Takuira Ngaropo, one of the five, was an extraordinary individual whose vision and passion for community gardening and sustainability inspired so many. As the founder of The Rock Papamoa Community Gardens, Owen worked tirelessly to create a space where local families could grow food, connect with each other, and build resilience. His deep belief in the power of community and sustainable living transformed lives, including mine. Owen’s unwavering dedication to his work and his people was truly remarkable. His legacy lives on in the gardens that continue to nourish and bring people together, a testament to his vision and the enduring impact he had on our lives.

Owen was not just a leader; he was a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration. The community he built at “The Rock” has grown far beyond the garden’s physical boundaries, and its spirit remains alive in every project and initiative that we continue to carry forward in his honor. His belief in the power of food security, education, and community is woven into the fabric of everything we do today—from our Kai Resilience Initiatives in Te Puke, to our Troppo tropical food forest, and the Te Puke Nursery that supports sustainable gardening efforts.

We are deeply grateful for the time we had with Owen, and though he is no longer with us, his work and the positive changes he helped create continue to inspire. We are forever changed by his presence, and we are committed to carrying his mission forward with the same passion and love he brought to every day.

Owen joins our dear friends Ed Pollard, John Stewart, Dahl Gurdit-Singh, and Juliet Lloyd—each of whom made unique and lasting contributions to Vector Group Charitable Trust. Their vision, dedication, and spirit will never be forgotten. We carry their memories with us, and their legacy continues to guide us in all that we do.

Rest in love, Ed, John, Dahl, Juliet, and Owen. You will always be with us, in every seed we plant, in every garden we nurture, and in every life we touch. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our cause, and for the love and inspiration you shared with the world.