Growing Community Connections with Community Gardens

Community Gardens - bringing people together to create an environmentally and socially just food system that benefits ALL

In our vibrant region of Taranaki, three community gardens are quietly transforming local neighbourhoods, fostering sustainability, resilience, and a deep sense of community.

These include Marfell Community Garden (Marfell, New Plymouth), St Mary's Community Garden (Hawera), and the newly acquired land for developing St George’s Community Garden (Patea). And they’re not just spaces for growing food; they are vital hubs where people come together to cultivate a better future.

The Seeds of Sustainability: Marfell Community Garden

Marfell Community Garden in New Plymouth was launched in 2020 on a vacant lot of 400 square metres of council land previously used for grazing horses (photo on left below).

Over the past 4 years this garden has become a beacon of renewal. What began as a small plot of land has grown into a thriving garden, providing fresh produce to the local community (photo on right above).

The garden’s success is a testament to the power of collective effort. Volunteers, school groups, and local residents, along with generous donations from key partners. All these individuals and groups are working together to plant, tend, and harvest crops, creating a sustainable food source.

Beyond the produce, Marfell Community Garden also serves as a model for sustainable living. The garden promotes regenerative gardening practices and also offers educational workshops, teaching locals about composting, rainwater harvesting, upcycling (photo on right below) and other sustainable practices.

This year has seen significant milestones for the garden, including:

Successful piloting of ‘Koia’ or ‘gardening for well-being’, leading to the extension of the ‘Green Prescription’ which enables Taranaki clinics and GPs to offer referrals to patients they feel will benefit from this type of recreational therapy
‘GROWMAD’, a family-friendly workshop with Jayne from Seedsavers
A herbal medicine workshop with naturopath and herbalist, Cat Neale (photo on left below)
Hosting inaugural Puanga events
Partnering with Marfell Community School in their Garden to Table programme.

Marfell Community garden has become an exemplar of what community gardens can achieve with the right expertise and ongoing coordination. Garden Coordinator Dominic Bell says that the kaupapa of Marfell focuses on Kaitiakitanga (guardianship), Manaakitanga (hospitality) and Ako (teaching and learning from each other).

Cultivating Connections: St Mary’s Community Garden, Hawera

In Hawera, St Mary’s Community Garden has become a sanctuary for those seeking connection — both with the earth and with each other. Over the last 2 and a half years this space has transformed what was once an underutilised piece of land into a flourishing green space where people of all ages and backgrounds come together.

Coordinator Alice Arnold says, “we have utilised working bees, workshops and different community groups participating and contributing in the space to build the components of the garden and build the knowledge of those attending. From worm farms to water collection, seed saving to composting, growing garden beds to children playing.”

Whether it’s through planting seeds, sharing gardening tips, or simply enjoying the fresh air, it’s clear this garden fosters a strong sense of community.

“From the beginning the garden has never been about the amount of food we produce. It is a garden of learning, a place to build skills and greater community connection.”

St Mary’s Community Garden's main objective is to develop interest and knowledge of growing kai and building greater kai resilience. Ultimately encouraging the Hawera community to be more sustainable in their daily lives and building a better connected community to enhance overall Hauora (health and well-being). The garden has now got to a point where just about all of the components of the maara (garden) are created, and it’s all about strengthening and building upon this base.

Me mahi tahi tatou Mo te oranga o te katoa - We work together for the well-being of everyone

A New Beginning: St George’s Community Garden, Patea

The newest addition to Sustainable Taranaki’s Community Gardens is St George’s Community Garden in Patea which was established in July 2024.

The opportunity of this bare land marks an exciting new chapter for the Patea community. While the garden is still in its early stages, the potential it holds is immense.

The first step was to host a ‘community ideas session’ (photo on right below) which aimed to bring together like minded people who enjoy gardening and growing vegetables. This was held last month (July 2024) and garden coordinator Tessa Tate commented:

“There were 14 of us there, and I was blown away by the enthusiasm, knowledge and desire to make this community garden a success.”

Once the community ideas session started, even more ideas were brought to the table, including involving local school/s who would like to use the space. Even the idea of a mural created by students was suggested, which would be a beautiful addition to the space.

The area will be an open space for anyone to use, to garden in, or even just a space to sit or potter.

Next steps are to clear away the areas that are overgrown near the back and side fence and to collect materials to build raised garden beds and a composting area. The garden has created a Facebook page to post about upcoming working bees, celebrate successes, and keep everyone up to date with what’s going on in the garden. You can also check the Patea Community Facebook page for updates.

The establishment of St George’s Community Garden is significant for Patea, a town with deep cultural roots and a strong sense of community. The garden will provide a space where residents can grow food, learn about sustainable gardening practices, and build connections with their neighbours. As with the other gardens, St George’s will emphasise regenerative gardening, aiming to create a sustainable and resilient food source.

The journey of Sustainable Taranaki’s community gardens is a powerful example of how small, local initiatives and ongoing coordination can have a big impact. Marfell, St Mary’s, and St George’s Community Gardens are not just growing food; they are growing community, sustainability, and resilience. As these gardens continue to flourish, they will inspire others to dig in and help cultivate a better, greener future for all.

3 Ways you can support Community Gardens:

Supporting a local community garden in Taranaki can have a significant positive impact. Here are three ways you can contribute:

1. Volunteer Your Time and Skills

Hands-On Gardening: Many community gardens rely on volunteers to help with planting, weeding, harvesting, and general maintenance. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, your help is valuable.
Help to organise Workshops: If you have expertise in gardening, sustainability, or related fields, consider hosting workshops to educate others and share best practices.

2. Donate Supplies or Funds

Gardening Supplies: Community gardens often need tools, seeds, compost, and other gardening essentials. Donating these items can help the garden thrive.
Financial Contributions: If you’re not able to volunteer your time, consider making a financial donation to support the garden’s operations, including purchasing necessary supplies or funding community events.

3. Promote and Participate in Events

Community Events: Attend and promote events like festivals, plant sales, or workshops. These events raise awareness and funds for the garden.
Social Media Support: Use social media to spread the word about the garden, its events, and volunteer opportunities. Engaging with the garden online can attract more community members and resources.

By volunteering, donating, and promoting, you can help ensure that Taranaki’s community gardens continue to flourish.