The Tangled Roots of Generosity: Ethical Considerations When Charity-Gifted Plants Enter Commercial Food Forest Events

The spirit of sharing and abundance lies at the heart of many food forest initiatives, often amplified when charitable organizations are involved. Imagine Troppo, an initiative headed up under a local charity, the "Vector Group Charitable Trust" dedicated to fostering community food resilience, gene...

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Cyclone Tam’s Fury Brushes Te Puke: Northern Communities in Our Thoughts

Well, Cyclone Tam has certainly made its presence felt here in Aotearoa! While we in Te Puke haven't borne the brunt of its full force like our whanau up in the Far North, let me tell you, that wind has been something else! For the past day or so, a constant, howling gale has been whipping through ...

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A Community Building Toolkit for Bay of Plenty, New Zealand: Cultivating Edible Landscapes Together

1. Introduction: Sowing Seeds for Community Resilience The Vision of Community Food Forests in the Bay of Plenty Community food forests, also referred to as forest gardens, represent a holistic approach to land management that draws inspiration from natural forest ecosystems.1 Unlike conventional ...

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Cultivating the Future: Jared’s Food Forest Tour in Rural Te Puke – Inspiring Youth and Kai Resilience

Here at Troppo.nz, we're passionate about showcasing initiatives that build a more sustainable and resilient future for Aotearoa. Our recent collaboration with Jared on a visit to his burgeoning food forest in rural Te Puke was a truly inspiring experience. We witnessed firsthand his dedication to c...

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The Easiest Way to Harvest Banana Bunches – Plus an Exciting Ice Cream Project & Saying Goodbye to a Giant!

Troppo shares key activities and insights while preparing for the 'Flavours of Plenty' event and managing their garden. The focus is on banana harvesting techniques, replacing banana clumps with rarer varieties, and handling an overgrown 'green Abyssinian.' https://youtu.be/2jdGwuTpcbc Harvesting ...

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Experience Global Flavors at The Daily’s Kitchen Pop-Up Series!

Are you ready for a culinary adventure that takes your taste buds on a journey across the globe? The Daily is bringing an exclusive Kitchen Pop-Up Series, offering a unique dining experience that showcases vibrant international cuisines. With limited seats available, now’s the time to secure your sp...

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The Inspiring Journey of Meeting Owen Mania Takuira-Ngaropo and Joining His Vision for “The Rock” Papamoa Community Gardens

Fourteen years ago, in 2011, the Vector Group Charitable Trust was established, driven by a shared passion for community development, sustainable living, and empowerment. This was the same year that my journey took a remarkable turn when I met Owen Mania Takuira-Ngaropo, the founder of "The Rock" Pa...

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Restoring Te Puke’s Wetlands: A Community-Driven Environmental Revival

At the heart of Te Puke, the Western Bay of Plenty District Council is leading an ambitious wetland restoration project, dedicated to revitalizing the natural ecosystem surrounding beloved local landmarks, including Blaymires' Tinkerbell's Garden, the BMX pump track, Te Puke Dog Park, and the Te Ara...

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Proposal for a Kai Resilience-Based Community Food Forest in Te Puke

Submitted to: Te Puke Community Board For Consideration by: Western Bay of Plenty District Council Prepared by: Date: Introduction This proposal seeks the endorsement and support of the Te Puke Community Board and Western Bay of Plenty District Council for the establishment of a Ka...

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Vector Group Food Resilience Feasibility Study: Te Puke Region

Feasibility Study for Vector Group Charitable Trust's Food Resilience Vision in Te Puke Region Table of Contents Executive Summary Project Overview: Vector Group Charitable Trust's Food Resilience Vision Defining Kai Resilience, Food Resilience, Food Security, and Food Sovereignty in ...

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