Te Puke Community Garden: Growing Together

A Green Heart in Te Puke

Established in 2011 by Jenny Utting, the Te Puke Community Garden has blossomed into a cherished community space where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect with nature, learn new skills, and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables!) of their labor. Jenny’s dedication to this green haven even earned her the prestigious Te Puke Citizen of the Year award. Today, the garden continues to thrive under the loving management of Julie Gray, who is passionate about cultivating both plants and community spirit.

The Bountiful Benefits of Our Community Garden

The Te Puke Community Garden offers a multitude of benefits for individuals and the wider community:

• Fresh, Local Produce: Enjoy access to fresh, locally grown produce, contributing to healthier eating habits and reducing food miles.
• Learning and Skill-Sharing: The garden is a fantastic place to learn about gardening, from preparing the soil to harvesting your own food. Experienced gardeners share their knowledge, fostering a culture of learning.
• Community Connection: Connect with neighbors, make new friends, and work side-by-side on a meaningful project. The garden provides a welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together.
• Physical and Mental Well-being: Engaging in gardening activities promotes an active lifestyle, reduces stress, and enhances overall mental and physical health.
• Environmental Stewardship: The garden emphasizes re-using and recycling, with compost bins and a worm farm in place to create sustainable systems. It also enhances urban green spaces and promotes biodiversity.
• Food Security: The garden contributes to local food resilience by providing a shared resource for fresh produce.
• Therapeutic Space: The garden offers a calming and therapeutic environment, providing a peaceful escape and promoting well-being.

Growing Memories: Past Events at the Garden

The Te Puke Community Garden has been a vibrant hub for various community events and activities:

• Community Garden Open Days: Participating in events like the Bay of Plenty Garden & Art Festival, the garden has opened its gates to the public, sharing its beauty and purpose with the wider community.
• Kids Kai Trail: The garden has been a stop on the Kids Kai Trail, offering hands-on experiences for children to learn about growing, harvesting, and cooking fresh food.
• Garden on Wheels: The garden participated in the “Gardens on Wheels” event, showcasing creative garden displays.
• Te Puke Teams Town Summit: Representatives from the garden have likely participated in community collaboration events like the Te Puke Teams Town Summit to share their plans and connect with other local organizations.
• Seed Sharing Initiatives: In collaboration with projects like Mana Kai Mana Ora, the garden has been involved in seed sharing to encourage more people to grow their own food.
• Donations and Support: The garden has gratefully received donations, such as supplies from Te Puke Landscape Supplies and Metlife Care Papamoa Beach Village, showcasing community support.

Our Valued Supporters: Sponsors and Partners

The Te Puke Community Garden thrives thanks to the generous support of various individuals and organizations. While specific long-term sponsors are still being developed, the garden has benefited from collaborations and donations from entities such as:

• Metlife Care Papamoa Beach Village: Provided generous donations of supplies.
• Te Puke Landscape Supplies: Contributed supplies to the garden.
• Bay of Plenty Garden & Art Festival: Participation in the festival helps raise awareness and potentially attract support.
• Mana Kai Mana Ora Western Bay Kai Resilience Project: Collaboration on initiatives like seed trolleys and promoting local food growing.
• COLAB Community Trust: Involved in broader Kai Security work in Te Puke, potentially supporting the garden.
• EPIC Te Puke: The local economic development group often highlights community initiatives and may provide support.
• Western Bay of Plenty District Council: The council supports community initiatives and may offer assistance.

We are actively seeking ongoing sponsorships to further enhance our garden and expand our programs. If your organization is interested in supporting our vision, please get in touch!

Our Vision for Growth

The vision of the Te Puke Community Garden is to be a vibrant and inclusive hub that:

• Grows Food: Provides a consistent source of fresh, healthy produce for the community.
• Feeds Knowledge: Offers educational opportunities for all ages to learn about gardening, sustainable practices, and healthy eating.
• Teaches Skills: Empowers individuals with practical skills in food production, contributing to greater self-sufficiency and community resilience.
• Connects People: Fosters a strong sense of community, bringing people together through a shared love of gardening and the environment.
• Promotes Sustainability: Champions environmentally friendly gardening practices and encourages a deeper connection with nature.

The Direction We’re Heading

Looking to the future, the Te Puke Community Garden is focused on:

• Expanding Volunteer Involvement: We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with all aspects of the garden’s operation. Whether you have green fingers or just a desire to contribute, we welcome your support.
• Enhancing Educational Programs: We aim to offer more workshops and learning opportunities for children and adults on topics such as seed saving, composting, and organic gardening techniques.
• Strengthening Community Partnerships: We are eager to collaborate with other local organizations, schools, and community groups to further our reach and impact.
• Improving Garden Infrastructure: We are continually working to enhance the garden’s facilities to ensure it remains a welcoming and productive space for everyone.
• Supporting Food Resilience Initiatives: We are committed to playing a key role in strengthening the local food system and promoting food security within the Te Puke region.

Get Involved!

The Te Puke Community Garden is a place for everyone. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, becoming a member (if applicable), attending events, or simply visiting to enjoy the space, we’d love to have you.

Stay updated on our activities and events.

Come and grow with us!