🥳 Happy 10th Birthday to the Green Heart of our Community! 🎂

We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate a wonderful milestone: the 10th birthday of the Te Puke Community Garden!

A massive well done to all of the amazing volunteers who have given their time and effort over the past decade. What an amazing contribution to Te Puke!

This vibrant space, which truly acts as a green heart in Te Puke, was established in 2011 by Jenny Utting, whose pioneering dedication earned her Te Puke Citizen of the Year.

We extend incredible gratitude to Julie Gray for her years of dedicated running and loving management, and also to Angela Leigh for her current efforts in helping the garden thrive. These women, alongside countless volunteers, cultivate not just plants, but deep community spirit.

For 10 years, this garden has helped our community grow and deliver real benefits across Te Puke:

• Fresh, local produce — contributing to healthier eating and food security
• Skill-sharing and knowledge — from soil prep to harvesting
• Environmental stewardship — re-using, recycling, compost bins, and the worm farm
• Community connection — a welcoming, therapeutic space for people of all ages

The garden lives its vision every day: Grow Food, Feed Knowledge, Teach Skills, and Connect People.

Give yourselves a massive pat on the back — and here’s to another 10 years of growing together! 🥂

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