Source: Auckland Council
Waikowhai locals have formed a new EcoNeighbourhood group and are working towards starting a food forest in the area. They welcome anyone living locally who would like to volunteer.
The Molley Green EcoNeighbourhood group along with Waikowhai schools and community agencies are currently working with Whenua Warriors and the Auckland Council to kick-start the project at Molley Green Reserve.
Group coordinator Rowan Cant says, “Through the garden, we are hoping that people have a central space to gather to meet neighbours, share skills, stories and recipes.”
“The food forest plans to grow fruit and veggies so that the community has greater access to healthy food. The fruit tree varieties are selected for the ripening of different fruit trees each month from December through to June,” he says.
It’s all about thinking globally while acting locally.
EcoNeighbourhoods is a project funded by Puketāpapa Local Board and supports groups of neighbours to work collectively to do environmental projects they are passionate about. Read more about the EcoNeighbourhoods programme here.
“Community gardening is an ideal way to connect with others and the land and it’s encouraging to receive proposals like this from a neighbourhood working together,” says Puketāpapa Local Board Chair Julie Fairey.
“Food forests, and similar projects, help us all to live more sustainably. I’m looking forward to seeing local kids eating fruit they’ve helped grow,” Fairey adds.
The group are currently going through the leaseholder approval process and are hoping to start planting in the winter. For more info check out the Friends of Molley Green Reserve Facebook page.
If you want to start a group in their neighbourhood call Heather Lyall on 021 040 1817 or email her at Econeighbourhoods@gmail.com.
