Community & Connection: The Human Energy Powering a New Food Forest

From shared vision to shared harvest: a day of partnership at Hairini

The greatest asset in any community project is not the land or the tools — it is the people. Today’s event at the new community garden and food forest taking shape at Changepoint Church, 131 Poike Road, Hairini, showed that clearly. Led by Cathy Harris as a church-based kai resilience initiative, the day brought together the Tauranga Food Forest Group and local volunteers — different groups, one shared vision.

It was a pleasure working alongside Selena, a dedicated leader in the Tauranga Food Forest Group. Her passion for educating the public through food forest tours is remarkable, and her group brought expertise and energy to the site. We both arrived with plants in hand, ready to see them become part of a growing food paradise.

The aim is to convert a full acre into abundant fruit for the community. With eight zones already established, progress is strong — and there is still plenty of ground to cover. The spirit of the day was simple: bring a spade, bring a plant, leave a legacy. Seeing kids energetically involved in planting showed how the project engages and teaches the next generation.

The weather held for a successful morning. We were grateful for a generous morning tea — sustenance and a natural moment for connection and conversation. Everyone got stuck in with real purpose, united by Cathy’s vision.

This garden is more than food production — it is a place for community connection. When a church, a food forest organisation, and individual volunteers align around one positive goal, the result speaks for itself. The work at Changepoint Church is a blueprint for stronger, more connected communities across the region.

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