A Decade of Sustainable Backyards Inspiring Change Towards a Greener Future
This year marks a significant milestone for the Sustainable Backyards Trail movement in Taranaki - its 10th year of showcasing resourceful and environmentally conscious gardeners with the goal of inspiring others to make change in their own backyard
What began as a small-scale local initiative has now evolved into a nationally-recognised, more impactful vision — Taranaki Sustainable Trails.
This new chapter, aligned with the kaupapa of Sustainable Taranaki, highlights the region’s growing commitment to education, kaitiakitanga, and a sustainable future.
New banner showcasing the three Trails for Taranaki Sustainable Trails 2024
The Birth of Sustainable Backyards
A decade ago, the Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Trail began with a simple, yet powerful idea: to showcase everyday gardeners who were utilising their own backyards to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Taranaki gardeners opened their hearts, minds, and gardens, sharing personal stories of their journeys. A vision, alongside a handful of properties and a shoestring budget planted the seed.
Images below, food growing at Pihana Farm (left) and banner from Bumblebee Bakery.
Each garden told a unique story of resilience, biodiversity, and innovation, providing visitors with tangible and achievable examples of what more environmentally-conscious living could look like.
Over the years, the number of hosts has grown, talks, workshops and tours evolved, and thousands of people from across the region and Aotearoa have visited properties.
With each visit, korero is shared and understanding deepens. Ideas for growing edible, medicinal and native species, composting, renewable resources, permaculture, utilising animals, DIY projects, fertilisers, and more are shared.
Visitors are inspired by the fact that sustainable living doesn’t have to be a grand, unattainable goal. Instead, it can be woven into the fabric of everyday life through thoughtful, incremental choices.
Images below, vegies growing at Lil Slice (left) and group at Greenbridge from 2022 Sustainable Backyards Trail
Evolution into Taranaki Sustainable Trails
As we celebrate 10 years of the Sustainable Backyards Trail, the initiative is growing into something even more ambitious: Taranaki Sustainable Trails. There have always been elements beyond the backyard—solar or EV set-ups, composting toilets or off-grid homes, and in the last few years, commercial market gardens and farms — but this will be the first time builds and farms will be showcased in their own right.
Images below, mountain with native planting around waterway at Nine Streams Farm (left) and Rammed Earth build at Ahu Ahu Road (right) all ready to inspire visitors as part of the Sustainable Farms and Builds Trail 11 - 17 November 2024
The Sustainable Farms and Builds Trails will allow people to connect with farmers and commercial growers who are prioritising the environment in their farming practices as well as homeowners and the build experts who’ve created eco-friendly designs. These new trails provide practical examples of sustainable land use, energy efficiency, and climate resilience, all rooted in the unique geography and culture of Taranaki.
Aligned with the Kaupapa of Sustainable Taranaki
The expansion of the initiative is deeply aligned with the guiding principles of Sustainable Taranaki:
Kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the environment)
Manaakitanga (care and respect for others)
Whanaungatanga (community and relationships)
This kaupapa is woven into the ethos of Sustainable Trails — the education and experiences shared between hosts and visitors, the funding and support from the business community, and the collective understanding that continues to grow.
Images below, young hosts ready to greet visitors at Green School - Coastal (left), and workshop at Blue Petal Botanicals - Urban New Plymouth (right)
Why Sharing Sustainable Journeys Matter
The heart of the Sustainable Backyards and now the expanded Sustainable Trails is the willingness of individuals to share a personal sustainability journey. When local gardeners, farmers, home owners, and builders invite others into their spaces, they create a ripple effect that inspires others to take action. Each visit is more than just a tour — it’s an opportunity for education, inspiration, and connection.
Visitors leave with more than just ideas — they gain knowledge, practical tips, and a sense of empowerment. The collective action of Taranaki residents has shown that small changes, when embraced by a community, can lead to significant impact.
Images below, rainwater catchment setup at St Mary’s Community Garden in Hawera (left) and entrance to urban garden in New Plymouth from 2023 (right)
Me mahi tahi tatou Mo te oranga o te katoa - We work together for the well-being of everyone
Key Information for Sustainable Trails 2024:
Preparation is key when planning your Sustainable Trails 2024 experience, so here’s a few tips from our Sustainable Trails Manager, Jenni Hammonds:
1. Know what’s on and when
Backyards Trail (1 - 10 November 2024) includes 24 backyards open 10am-4pm weekends and set midweek hours, plus 8 community and school gardens with set hours. The Trail has 40+ events scheduled for 2024.
Builds and Farms Trails (11 - 17 November 2024) is made up of 12 properties, each offering set time tours, as well as several ticketed events.
Information and booking for all Sustainable Trails events is on the website: www.sustainablebackyards.org.nz
2. How much does it cost?
Backyard visits are $3 cash (concession card available), host workshops and talks are by koha, and ticketed events range in price.
Builds and Farms tours are mostly FREE, although some have a small charge (all require registration to secure a spot) click HERE to view these options and to register.
3. Backyards are for everyone
Many backyards are wheelchair accessible, there are dedicated activities for kids at 6 whānau-friendly backyards, plus community and school garden events. Centuria Garden Festival and Sustainable Backyards have collaborated on an audio-described tour for a low-vision audience
4. Get around (sustainably)
Join an eBike tour around urban backyards or know where you can secure your bike if visiting independently
Book yourself on a backyards bus tour - from cheap and cheerful to boutique and all inclusive
Or travel as a small group on one of several van tours leaving New Plymouth and Hāwera