Troppo Articles
Northland Tropical Food Forest Design Guide
Warm northern and coastal New Zealand regions can grow subtropical and tropical edibles year-round — avocado, macadamia, banana, passionfruit, feijoa and more. This guide links practical food-forest design to Troppo's living nursery in Te Puke.
Plan layers and species with our free NZ grower tools a...
Edible Plants in the Nightshade Family
A Grower’s Guide to Solanaceae for Food Forests, Greenhouses & Resilient Gardens
The nightshade family (Solanaceae) contains some of the world’s most important food crops — including tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplants, tamarillos, pepinos, and many rare tropical fruits.
These plants ar...
Food Forest Quiz: Regenerative Learning for Aotearoa
A new interactive quiz helps growers and learners across Aotearoa explore food forests, regenerative agriculture and layered edible ecosystems — part of Vector Group Charitable Trust's kai resilience education work.
Take the Food Forest Knowledge Assessment and browse more resources at Kai Resilienc...
Troppo Edible Jungle: Urban Food Forest in Action
Troppo is the hands-on, muddy-boots side of Vector Group — a living urban food forest in Te Puke where theory meets practice. We grow and trial subtropical edibles that show what is possible in warm Bay of Plenty conditions.
Explore our food forest articles and the national Kai Resilience network.
...
Troppo: Cultivating a Tropical Future in Te Puke
Troppo is more than just a nursery; it is a vibrant, tropical urban food forest and a cornerstone of the Vector Group Charitable Trust’s mission to redefine food security. As a sister initiative to Grow Te Puke, KaiResilience.food, Kiwifruit.Capital, and Te Puke Digital, Troppo focuses on the exotic...
NZ Garden Bugs for Kids: Aotearoa’s Tiny Heroes
New Zealand gardens teem with insects, spiders, slugs and springtails — many found nowhere else on Earth. This kids' guide explains why "bugs" matter for healthy soil, pollination and food webs.
Pair with What's a minibeast? and our NZ garden bird guides.
Aotearoa is home to thousands of fascinatin...
Te Puke Garden Ramble 2025: Kai Resilience in Focus
The Te Puke Coast Lions Garden Ramble 2025 ran across three days — a curated tour of local gardens and a chance to tell stories about community growing, creativity and food resilience in the Bay of Plenty.
See more Community & Te Puke events and the Kai Resilience archive.
The Te Puke Coast Lio...
Te Puke Local Food Innovation & Kai Resilience
Troppo.nz shares Te Puke's roots in fresh, local food — where nursery innovation, community gardens and kai resilience meet. This is how the Bay of Plenty experiments with practical food security close to home.
Read more in Community & Te Puke and connect nationally via Kai Resilience.
Troppo V...
Partnering for a Greener Future: Troppos and Shona Ua-Marsh
Troppo is excited to announce our partnership with Shona Ua-Marsh, a local visionary whose work at Giggles Te Puke Early Learning Centre and Whatu+Co is deeply rooted in sustainability and growth. Shona’s philosophy mirrors the principles of a food forest: nurturing the ground, fostering symbiotic r...
Pineapple Plants Tender: Vector Group Te Puke
Vector Group Charitable Trust, based in Te Puke, is inviting tenders from suppliers for bulk pineapple plants — a core kai-resilience initiative to strengthen local food production and nursery capacity in the Bay of Plenty.
Learn about our charitable work at Vector Group and the wider Kai Resilience...
From IT to Orchard
Our team at Troppo has always been inspired by people who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty and forge a new path. So, when the opportunity arose for the Troppo/Vector Group Charitable Trust to visit Bay Tropics, an innovative orchard in Oropi, we jumped at the chance. It was a day of productive...
Te Puke’s Community Shines: Sirens and Services Day Lights Up the Town!
Today, Te Puke literally lit up with excitement as the "Sirens and Services Koha Ice Cream Day" unfolded at the Te Puke War Memorial Hall. The sounds of sirens filled the air, and Mr Whippy was scooping delicious ice cream as the community turned out in force for a truly memorable day dedicated to c...
Rain Can’t Dampen Spirits at Sirens and Services: Koha Ice Cream Day!
What an incredible afternoon we had today at the Welcome Bay Community Hall for the Sirens and Services: Koha Ice Cream Day! Despite the steady drizzle outside, the hall was absolutely buzzing with keen families, creating a truly heartwarming atmosphere. It was a testament to the incredible spirit o...
A Day of Transformation: Diving Deep into the Te Puna Food Forest Install
Today, the air in Te Puna buzzed with excitement and the promise of a greener future as the Food Forests Tauranga Group hosted a highly anticipated Food Forest Install at Lindsay and Scotty’s picturesque property. This wasn't just a planting day; it was a masterclass in ecological design, tra...
From Kiwifruit to Jackfruit: A Tropical Paradise Blooms at French’s Farm
French's Farm: A Slice of Tropical Paradise Flourishing in Te Puke
Just a stone's throw from Waitangi, on the verdant fringes of Te Puke, you'll discover a true local treasure: French's Farm. While the Bay of Plenty is globally celebrated for its vibrant green kiwifruit, a visit to Michae...
Te Puke Kids Gardening: Community Collaboration
In Te Puke, young people are building gardening and food-resilience skills through schools, community gardens and local mentors. This is how the BOP community nurtures the next generation of growers.
See also: Community & Te Puke · Kai Resilience
Here in our vibrant Te Puke community, something...
Kids Unplugged: NZ Web Series for Outdoor Play
Kids Unplugged is a New Zealand web series encouraging tamariki to get outside — exploring gardens, bush and coast rather than screens. A resource for parents and educators supporting nature play.
Okay, I've integrated the bio information for Anton and Kylie Steel into the blog post. Here's ...
A Day of Unity and Joy
The sun shone brightly on Merivale School, setting the stage for a truly remarkable event: the Sirens and Services Merivale day. This free, family-focused celebration transformed the school into a vibrant hub of connection, learning, and pure enjoyment. Organized by Neighbourhood Support Western Bay...
Ceiba speciosa Air Layering: Silk Floss Tree Propagation
At Troppo's subtropical nursery and food forest in Te Puke, Bay of Plenty, we grow Ceiba speciosa Air Layering — part of our exotic, rare and edible plant collection for warm New Zealand climates.
Browse the full plant collection or shop live nursery stock when available.
Browse the full plant coll...
CROP SWAP TE PUKE – Sunday June 29th
Te Puke gardeners, get ready to swap and share! Join us for Crop Swap Te Puke, a gathering for our community's garden lovers. Bring along your extra treasures from the garden – think seeds, baby plants, delicious produce, homemade preserves, tasty baking, inspiring gardening books, and even...
EPIC Mother’s Day Night Market Te Puke: A Night to Remember
What a wonderful Mother's Day celebration we had tonight at the EPIC Mother's Day Night Market! It was a truly special evening dedicated to all the amazing mums out there.
The atmosphere was fantastic, with everyone indulging in the delicious food on offer and browsing the diverse range of stalls. ...
A Whisper of Wild Freedom: Hope Echoes Through the Kaimanawa Ranges
If you felt a stirring in your soul this April, a quiet sense of triumph amidst the rugged beauty of the Kaimanawa Ranges, you weren't alone. The latest news from the annual wild horse muster wasn't just a press release; it was a testament to compassion, a vibrant chord struck in the ongoing harmony...
Te Puke Community Garden: Growing Together
A Green Heart in Te Puke
Established in 2011 by Jenny Utting, the Te Puke Community Garden has blossomed into a cherished community space where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect with nature, learn new skills, and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables!) of their labor. Jenny’s dedication to ...
Epic Te Puke’s Picture-Perfect Easter Trail
Despite the weather, the Epic Te Puke event was a resounding success, bringing the community together for a day of fun and creativity. Held at Jubilee Park, the Picture Perfect Easter Trail showcased the talent of local photographers along the scenic Te Puke Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway. This free commu...
More Than Just a Day Off: Pausing to Remember Anzac Day in Te Puke
Anzac Day 2025: Te Puke Remembers | A Tribute from Troppo.nz
Today, April 25th, 2025, the familiar rhythms of life here in Te Puke take on a different cadence. The usual bustle associated with our orchards and the title of 'Kiwifruit Capital of the World' gives way to a quieter, more reflective atm...
Cultivating Passionfruit in Te Puke
Welcome to the lush world of passionfruit growing right here in our beautiful Te Puke! At Troppo.nz, we're passionate about helping you bring the taste of the tropics to your own backyard. Passionfruit, with its vibrant flavour and exotic aroma, thrives in our Bay of Plenty climate, offering ...
The Ultimate Guide to Growing Bananas in Your Bay of Plenty Garden
Dreaming of harvesting your own sweet, creamy bananas right here in the Bay of Plenty? You might be surprised to learn that with a little know-how, this tropical delight can thrive in our beautiful corner of New Zealand! While we're not exactly the tropics, our warm summers and relatively mil...
Growing Avocados Successfully in Te Puke: A Comprehensive Guide
Welcome to the ultimate guide for growing luscious, creamy avocados right here in our beautiful Te Puke! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this comprehensive resource from Tropo.nz will walk you through everything you need to know to cultivate your own avocado bounty. T...
How to Maximize Sunlight in Your Te Puke Garden for Tropical Fruit Production
Welcome, fellow fruit enthusiasts, to the Troppo.nz blog! Here in sunny Te Puke, we're blessed with a fantastic climate for growing all sorts of delicious tropical and subtropical fruits. But even with our abundant sunshine, understanding how to make the most of it is key to a truly thriving garden ...
Understanding Te Puke’s Rainfall Patterns for Efficient Irrigation
Welcome to the Troppo blog! Here in sunny Te Puke, the heart of kiwifruit country, water is life. Whether you're a seasoned orchardist or just starting out with your own patch, understanding our local rainfall patterns is key to using water wisely and keeping your plants happy and healthy. This post...
Best Soil Amendments for Te Puke’s Soil Conditions: A Local Guide
Welcome to Troppo.nz, your go-to source for all things growing in our beautiful corner of the world, Te Puke! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting to get your hands dirty, understanding your soil is the first step to a thriving garden or orchard. Here in the Bay of Plenty, we're bless...
SCHOOL HOLIDAY PHOTO COMPETITION! RRR – Rescue, Revive, Rehome
We know school holidays are all about creating wonderful memories, and who better to share them with than your beloved furry, scaly, or feathered family members?
RRR - Rescue, Revive, Rehome is searching for the BEST photo capturing a special moment between you and your animal during these holidays...
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 ...
Identifying and Managing Common Pests and Diseases in Te Puke Gardens
Identifying and Managing Common Pests and Diseases in Te Puke Gardens
Welcome to all our fellow green thumbs in beautiful Te Puke! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting to dig in the fertile Bay of Plenty soil, you'll know that along with the joy of watching your plants thrive ...
Choosing the Right Aspect for Your Garden in Te Puke’s Unique Terrain
Welcome, fellow green thumbs, to the wonderful world of gardening in Te Puke! Known as the Kiwifruit Capital of the World, this region boasts a rich horticultural heritage and a climate that can support a fantastic array of plants. But before you start digging, there's a crucial element to consider ...
Using Mulch to Regulate Soil Temperature in Te Puke’s Variable Climate
Welcome to the Troppo blog! Here in beautiful Te Puke, we know all about the ups and downs of our weather. From scorching summer days to chilly winter nights, our soil can experience quite a temperature rollercoaster. But there's a simple yet incredibly effective tool that can help your garden thriv...
A Community Building Toolkit for Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
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 ...
Creating Windbreaks for Delicate Tropical Plants in the Bay of Plenty
Welcome to the Troppo.nz blog! If you're lucky enough to be growing beautiful, but often delicate, tropical plants here in the stunning Bay of Plenty, you'll know that while our climate is generally kind, the wind can sometimes be a real nuisance. These breezes, while often refreshing for us, can wr...
Jared’s Food Forest Tour: Youth Kai Resilience in Te Puke
Troppo joined Jared on a visit to his burgeoning rural food forest near Te Puke — a practical example of how young growers and mentors can build kai resilience through layered, edible landscapes.
Explore food forest stories and Kai Resilience across the region.
Here at Troppo.nz, we're passionate a...
Supercharging Your Te Puke Harvest
We all love the bounty of a Te Puke garden, but what if you could push the boundaries and enjoy fresh produce even longer? Building on our previous tips, this post dives into more advanced techniques, including grow tents, heat mats, in-soil heating, and the crucial element of experimentation, to tr...