Are you a community based organisation, group, Marae, Church, or school wanting to set up an edible garden?
You may be eligible for our help.

The aim of this programme is to make growing your own fruit and veg the normal thing to do. We are starting with community gardens in places like the Marae, schools, churches, public open spaces etc., so people can re-learn how to grow fresh veg - and enjoy eating cheap veggies. From that we hope they will go home and plant a few in their own back-yard

We are here to help with:-
Startup advice
Support to garden mentors and community co-ordinators
Site check and planning help
Funding application advice
Budget reality check
Sustainability best practice
Gardening telephone helpline
Workshops on key topics
Access to a supplier network
Links to other gardens
Resources and web based information
Mini Starter kit

The benefits of food gardening

The primary benefit is obviously the provision of cheap/free fresh vegetables and fruit, but there are many other benefits too.

Working in the garden helps with physical fitness and agility plus it is beneficial to mental health.
It's helps bring people together improving community spirit and making new friends
Excess produce may be sold and the money raised used to the benefit of the community.
Improving the environment, or just cleaning up an unused piece of waste land.
Good waste management through composting.
Ecological and environmental education.
Improving peoples gardening skills, cooking skills and nutritional knowledge.
A return of future generations to a relationship with the land/whenua i.e. a return to growing in the kiwi backyard.
Traditional gardening and traditional produce