Weaving a Tapestry of Community and Kai Resilience

A powerful, community-driven movement is taking root in Te Puke, and at its heart is the Vector Group Charitable Trust. This isn’t your typical charitable organization. It’s a group of people deeply committed to weaving a stronger, more connected community fabric, guided by the principle of “A community where diversity is celebrated, and every person feels included.”

The Trust’s most visible work is its dedication to food resilience. Its flagship initiative, Grow Te Puke, is transforming how residents think about food, empowering them to cultivate a secure and sustainable local food system. More than just a community garden it has envisioned a tropical urban food forest Troppo, it’s a hub for learning and connection. Through workshops on practices like agroecology, permaculture and syntropic agroforestry, locals are gaining the skills to grow their own food and share in the bounty, building a foundation for a healthy, food-secure future.

But the Trust’s mahi (work) doesn’t stop at the garden gate. Its efforts span a wide range of initiatives designed to uplift and unite the community:

• Fostering Youth and Creative Expression: From providing a safe space for youth at the Te Puke Youth and Community Centre to supporting local talent through the Te Puke Repertory Society, the Trust helps the next generation find their voice and build a sense of belonging.
• Stewarding the Land: Partnering with environmental groups, the Trust is a champion of environmental stewardship, taking part in practical projects like wetlands restoration to protect and preserve Te Puke’s unique natural surroundings.
• Enhancing Community Spaces: The Trust invests in projects that directly improve the lives of residents, such as the new Te Puke Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway and upgrades to beloved public spaces like the local skatepark and the Te Puke War Memorial Hall.
• Building a Stronger Local Economy: Through collaboration with organizations like EPIC Te Puke and its own media platform, Te Puke Digital, the Trust promotes economic growth and ensures the community remains informed and engaged.

Through these diverse efforts, the Vector Group Charitable Trust is creating a powerful legacy in Te Puke—one of inclusivity, resilience, and a deep sense of shared purpose.