Food forest for future foraging

EcoNeighbourhood group, formed by Waikōwhai local Rowan Cant, with funding from Puketāpapa Local Board, has created a space in the reserve for a food forest where communities can grow their own food. The funding aims to support neighbourhood groups to work collectively on environmental passion projects.

Kāinga Ora Placemaking Advisor Claire Hansell has high hopes for the community-led initiative, which aims to cultivate ongoing sharing and sustaining of cultural food knowledge, connect the community and create strong community friendships.

“Valuing traditional self-sustaining food growing practices, while also attracting the community to their local amenities and public spaces will enhance the overall wellbeing of current and future generations in Waikōwhai,” Claire says.

Kāinga Ora Community Development and Engagement Coordinator Karla Beazley laid the groundwork for our involvement in the project by building good relationships in the Waikōwhai community.

Kāinga Ora covered the cost of garden beds for the food forest, and supplied a shed and trees from old state home sites which have been cleared for redevelopment.

Tenancy Managers Ameleina and Annie

Following sign off by the local board for a five-year lease of the reserve land, about 30 people from local schools, community groups, Piritahi, and our Roskill Development team took part in a food forest working bee at the reserve on 10 July.

Our involvement in the project highlights our commitment to sustainability, ensuring that the work we are doing is providing for future generations, Claire says.

“A community garden is about providing for people now, whereas a food forest is about providing for people in 20 years’ time.”

The event was also a true demonstration of our organisation’s value, Mahi Tahi – Better Together, for our people and everyone who pitched in to help on the day.

Whenua Warriors, a local community group committed to protecting taonga tuku iho (treasures passed down from ancestors), led the event. Almost 1000kg of soil was shovelled into the garden beds thanks to Waikōwhai Development Manager Rebecca Allington, local board member Jon Turner, and Assistant Development Manager Simone Robello.

Kāinga Ora Tenancy Managers Ameleina and Annie planted harakeke (flax) in the surrounding forest, and Karla and Local MP Michael Wood added comfrey (nutrient for healthy plant growth) to the garden beds.

EcoNeighbourhood coordinator Rowan Cant is excited about how the community will stand to benefit from the food forest. “Through the garden, we are hoping that people have a central space to gather to meet neighbours, and share skills, stories and recipes," he says.

If you live or work in the area, and would like to be involved in the project, send a message to the Friends of Molley Green Reserve(external link) Facebook page. Or pay a friendly visit the next time you’re in the area. 

Kāinga Ora Assistant Development Manager Simone Rebello, Kāinga Ora Community Development and Engagement Coordinator Karla Beazley, Mount Roskill MP Michael Wood, Kāinga Ora Placemaking Advisor Claire Hansell