Manaia Maara Kai feeding the community

Community gardens are a wonderful resource for the community and as living costs continue to rise, they are becoming increasingly popular.

Late last year, South Taranaki District Council (STDC) partnered with the Manaia Community Services Group to give them an overgrown, unused parcel of land to grow fruit and vegetables for the community.

The Manaia Maara Kai (Community Garden) was established as a community initiative under the umbrella of the Manaia Community Services Group. The community garden is located behind the Plunket building in Manaia.

Tere Tangaroa, the Community Liaison for the Maara Kai, says the main focus of the project is to establish and maintain a Maara Kai that can provide fresh chemical-free fruits and vegetables to the members of the Manaia Community.

“To date our harvests have been primarily for local kaumatua (elderly), but long term we would like to include our local schools and early childhood centers to come along and harvest too,” says Tere.

At their first Working Bee, the group had approximately 30 locals help throughout the day – although there is a core group of around 10 or so Kaimahi (Volunteers) who help maintain the garden on a regular basis.

“Everyone is a volunteer, and we consider anyone in the community a potential member.” STDC Spaces and Places Volunteer Co-ordinator, Alice Arnold is working with the group to give them support.

“By transforming part of this unused land into a vibrant, garden, the group has created a new, productive green space for the community,” says Alice. “It’s a great example of the Council and community working together for better outcomes.”

You can check out the group's Facebook page Manaia Maara Kai for updates and scheduled working bee dates.