Community & Te Puke
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...
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...
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 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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
The Benefits of Guild Planting in a Small Urban Space
(Featured on www.troppo.nz)
Living in a town or city often means limited space for gardening. You might have a tiny backyard, a balcony, or just a few pots on a windowsill. But even with these small areas, you can create a thriving and productive mini-ecosystem using a clever technique called guild...
Te Puke Community Rallies Together for Mum’s Cancer Treatment
In September 2023, 46-year-old Sarena Crane, a devoted mother from Tauranga, started noticing troubling symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, and discomfort. Initially, these symptoms were attributed to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or endometriosis, but further testing soon revealed a far more serio...
Bay of Plenty Orchid Show Blooms Bright in Rainy Te Puke
The Bay of Plenty Orchid Society hosted its annual orchid show over the weekend at the Te Puke Memorial Hall. The event took place on Friday and Saturday, running from 10am to 4pm each day.
Visitors enjoyed a stunning variety of orchid displays presented by both the Bay of Plenty Orchid Society and...
Te Whare o Tīmata
Nestled in the heart of Te Puke, Bay of Plenty, Te Whare o Tīmata is more than just an educational tool—it is a living, breathing expression of Mātauranga Māori, designed to inspire, teach, and connect. It is a place where whānau, tamariki, and communities can come together to explore ancestral heri...
“Weeding for Wildlife: Help Restore Kotukutuku Gully!”
Join the Kotukutuku Gully Weeding Bee and Make a Difference
Nature needs a helping hand, and you can be part of the solution! The Maketū Wetland Society (MOWS), in collaboration with the Kotukutuku Gully group, invites you to a hands-on conservation event to tackle pesky pest plants and restore the...
Wetlands restoration in Te Puke with FRUITION’s Hei Whanake
As part of Vector Group Charitable Trust, Troppo is documenting the comprehensive wetlands restoration project in Te Puke, Bay of Plenty. Today marked the commencement of planting a significant number of native flora, a crucial step in rejuvenating our region's natural resources. In a few weeks, the...
Te Puke’s Green Gems: A Day of Community and Cultivation
On Sunday, March 16th, the Bay of Plenty buzzed with excitement as local community gardens opened their gates for a special event. Among these verdant havens, two Te Puke treasures stood out: the Te Puke Community Garden and Giggles Te Puke Early Learning Centre. But that’s not all—Troppo’s very own...
Community Garden Open Day Bay of Plenty and Rotorua
Explore Your Local Community Gardens!
Local Community Gardens are throwing open their gates to share what they do. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast, a curious visitor, or someone looking to get involved, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and discover the i...
Introducing TROPPO’s Kai and Canopy – Growing, Harvesting, and Feasting.
Welcome to TROPPO's Food Forest Kai and Canopy, our YouTube channel where we take you on a journey from plant to plate! Whether you’re a tropical grower, a food forest enthusiast, or just someone who loves the idea of harvesting your own kai, this channel is for you!
What You Can Expect on TROPP...
Giggles Garden Glow-Up: Growing, Learning & Digging in Together!
Exciting things are happening at Giggles Te Puke Early Learning Centre! Their amazing food forest is about to get a fresh burst of life, and guess what? The whole community is invited to join in the fun!
A Garden That Gives Back!
At Giggles, the garden isn’t just about growing plants—it’s about ...
The Inspiring Journey of Meeting Owen Mania Takuira-Ngaropo and Joining His.
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...
Te Puke 2025 Teams Summit – A Night of Collaboration, Connection & Kiwifruit!
Te Puke, get ready! The Te Puke 2025 Teams Summit is happening soon, and you’re invited to be part of the action! Whether you're a business, a community group, a club, or just someone passionate about shaping the future of our town, this is your chance to connect, collaborate, and contribute.
Date...
One Man’s Trash-Busting Mission – But He Needs Your Help!
Te Puke’s got a new hero – and he’s armed with nothing but a passion for keeping our town clean! Meet Craig Wallace, the one-man clean-up crew who’s on a mission to make Te Puke shine. But let’s be real – he can’t do it alone.
Te Puke has officially joined the Keep New Zealand Beautiful family, tha...
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...
Grow Your Dreams: Explore Our Upcoming Workshops & Tours!
Are you ready to dive deeper into the world of sustainable gardening, urban farming, and creating your own green oasis? Whether you dream of a thriving food forest, mastering the art of propagation, or extending your growing season with grow tents and tunnels, we've got something exciting for you!
...
Kai Resilience Portal Launch: kairesilience.food
Troppo and Vector Group Charitable Trust have launched a national Kai Resilience website portal — connecting regional food-resilience work in Te Puke and the Bay of Plenty to a wider Aotearoa network.
Visit kairesilience.food and our free grower tools.
At Troppo, we've always been passionate about ...
Kai Resilience Strategic Plan: Te Puke 2025–2030
By 2030, the Te Puke region aims for a thriving, equitable and sustainable food system — this strategic plan sets out goals, partnerships and actions for Vector Group's food-resilience initiative through 2030.
Explore the live programme at Kai Resilience and local stories in Community & Te Puke....