Vector Group Charitable Trust Projects and Initiatives Overview

The Vector Group Charitable Trust serves as an umbrella organization, providing strategic oversight and administrative support for a variety of community-focused projects in the Te Puke region. Website: https://www.vectorgroup.org.nz/

Kai Resilience

The Kai Resilience initiative encompasses a range of projects, workshops, and events designed to foster food security and self-sufficiency within the community. Information page: https://www.vectorgroup.org.nz/projects/kai-resilience/vector-group-charitable-trust-weaving-a-tapestry-of-community-and-kai-resilience-in-te-puke/

Crop Swap Te Puke

Crop Swap Te Puke is a regular event where community members can gather to exchange their homegrown produce, helping to reduce food waste and strengthen local connections. Information page: https://www.vectorgroup.org.nz/projects/kai-resilience/growing-our-community-one-swap-at-a-time-vector-group-charitable-trust-launches-te-puke-crop-swap/

Grow Te Puke

Grow Te Puke is a community-focused project that aims to promote and teach gardening skills, helping residents cultivate their own food and build a more resilient local food system. Information page: https://www.vectorgroup.org.nz/projects/kai-resilience/grow-te-puke/grow-te-puke-cultivating-a-resilient-kai-community/ Website: https://www.growtepuke.com/

Troppo, tropical urban food forest

Troppo is a practical demonstration of a tropical urban food forest, showcasing a diverse ecosystem of edible plants that can thrive in an urban environment. Information page: https://www.vectorgroup.org.nz/projects/kai-resilience/troppo-kai-resilience/troppo-a-living-example-of-kai-resilience-in-te-puke/ Website: https://www.troppo.nz/

Food Forest Tours

Food Forest Tours offers educational guided walks through established food forests, providing inspiration and practical knowledge for creating similar resilient food systems. Information page: https://www.vectorgroup.org.nz/?p=1494 Website: https://foodforest.tours/

Nursery Map

The Nursery Map is an online tool that helps connect people with local nurseries, making it easier to find and source plants for their own gardens and food forests. Website: https://www.nurserymap.nz/

Community food forest (proposal submitted to WBOPDC)

The Community Food Forest is a proposal submitted to the Western Bay of Plenty District Council (WBOPDC) to create a shared, public space dedicated to growing food for the entire community. Information page: proposal has been submitted to the Te Puke Community Board and the Western Bay of Plenty District Council to establish a community food forest. Read more here https://www.vectorgroup.org.nz/community-engagement/te-pukes-new-food-forest-a-recipe-for-resilience-and-community-growth/

Youth & Community

The Youth & Community initiative focuses on programs and projects that engage and empower local youth, fostering a sense of belonging and civic responsibility. Information page:

Emergency Accom (transitional housing)

Emergency Accom provides vital transitional housing solutions for individuals and families in crisis, offering a safe and supportive bridge to long-term stability. Information page:

Te Puke Digital

Te Puke Digital is a digital platform that works to enhance the town’s online presence, providing digital literacy training and support for local businesses and community members. Website: https://www.tepuke.digital/

Te Puke NewsWeek

Te Puke NewsWeek is an online news source that delivers up-to-date local news and information, keeping the community informed about key events and developments in the area. Website: https://tepuke.online/

Strategic Collaboration

Strategic Collaboration involves building partnerships with other organizations to amplify the trust’s impact and achieve shared community goals more effectively. Information page: https://www.vectorgroup.org.nz/community-engagement/building-stronger-foundations-the-vector-group-charitable-trusts-power-of-collaboration-in-the-bay-of-plenty/

Funders

The Vector Group Charitable Trust receives essential financial support from a variety of funders, including Lotteries Communities, COGS, and Ballance Te Puke, enabling them to carry out their important work.