Te Puke’s Proposed Community Food Forest? A Recipe for Resilience and Community Growth

Te Puke is on the cusp of an exciting new chapter — blending community, education, and sustainability into a living landscape. A proposal has been submitted to the Te Puke Community Board and Western Bay of Plenty District Council to establish a Kai Resilience-Based Community Food Forest. This is not just a garden; it is a dynamic ecosystem designed to feed the community, empower future generations, and leave a legacy of environmental stewardship.

Read the Community Food Forest WBOPDC proposal submission (PDF)

What is a community food forest?

A food forest mimics natural forest layers — canopy, understory, shrubs, and ground cover — to grow diverse edible plants efficiently. Once established, it needs minimal maintenance, yields ongoing harvests, and supports the environment. The proposed forest would complement the existing Te Puke Community Garden, extending food sovereignty and resilience for the whole community.

The proposal comes from Vector Group Charitable Trust through Grow Te Puke and our kai resilience work. It is backed by a living example: Troppo Food Forest on Clydesdale Avenue — a thriving urban ecosystem with hundreds of plant species.

Key ingredients for a thriving community

• Growing food security: A sustainable source of fresh produce, with harvest shared with local food support services
• A living classroom: Hands-on learning for schools through a Paddock to Plate programme — where food comes from, how to grow it, and how to cook it
• Building practical skills: Workshops in grafting, air layering, and syntropic agroforestry for self-reliance and sustainable living
• Fostering community spirit: Volunteer opportunities for all ages, building connection and shared ownership
• Boosting biodiversity: Habitat for wildlife and support for wider environmental goals, including wetland restoration
• Local eco-tourism: Guided tours and education showcasing Te Puke’s commitment to an eco-friendly future

The vision becomes reality

Led by Stephen Fawcett and Vector Group Charitable Trust, the project is planned in three phases. Groundwork and a proven model are in place; the next step is council review and, we hope, approval of suitable land to bring the forest to life.

1. Phase 1 — Planning and preparation: Co-design with schools and the community; begin plant propagation
2. Phase 2 — Installation and education: Community planting days and launch of Paddock to Plate for local schools
3. Phase 3 — Maintenance and expansion: Care for the maturing system, grow volunteer networks, and partner with food banks and local businesses for distribution

A living legacy for future generations

The proposed Te Puke Community Food Forest is a blueprint for a healthier, more connected, more resilient town — where children learn, adults share skills, and whenua flourishes. Supporting this initiative can help turn vision into a landmark project that nourishes Te Puke for years to come.

Community Food Forest WBOPDC proposal submission (PDF)

Explore more: Grow Te Puke · Troppo · Food forest tours · Kai resilience · Contact us