The Green Legacy: Investing in Future Food Security
Building a Resilient Tauranga, One Forest at a Time
The future of food security isn’t just about what’s planted this season; it’s about the enduring systems we put in place to nourish our communities for generations. Here at Changepoint Church in Hairini, a profound commitment to this future is blossoming, quite literally, into a vibrant community food forest and garden. Today, a new chapter unfolded as members from the Tauranga Food Forest Group joined hands with local enthusiasts to push this ambitious project forward.
I had the pleasure of working alongside Selena from the Tauranga Food Forest Group, whose passion and dedication are truly inspiring. Selena’s efforts, especially in leading engaging tours and fostering the growth of her group, are a testament to the power of committed, grassroots activism. Together, at the site on 131 Poike Road, we shared in the mahi (work), bringing along a selection of plants to contribute to the vision.
The intention here is bold: to transform a one-acre space into a productive food paradise that will eventually provide a sustainable, abundant harvest for the entire community. Eight zones are already established, but the canvas is still vast. It was inspiring to see the kids putting in such hard effort, their youthful energy and enthusiasm a powerful reminder that this project is truly an investment in their future.
The atmosphere was electric. The weather held off perfectly, allowing for a fantastic morning of digging, planting, and mulching. A huge thank you is owed for the wonderful morning tea provided—a moment of shared connection that fueled the hard work. Everyone got stuck in, embodying the collective spirit that makes these projects thrive.
Changepoint Church and its community garden aren’t just planting fruit trees; they’re planting resilience. They’re demonstrating that by combining collective effort, donated resources, and a long-term vision, we can create a remarkable, self-sustaining legacy right here in Tauranga. This is a model for local food security that other groups can (and should) emulate.
