Events and Community Engagement
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...
Vector Group Charitable Trust: Tender for Bulk Pineapple Plants
Vector Group Charitable Trust, a charitable organization based in Te Puke, is seeking tenders from suppliers for the bulk purchase of pineapple plants. This initiative is a core part of our mission to enhance kai resilience and food security within our community.
Plant Specifications: We are seek...
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, transformi...
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...
Nurturing Tomorrow’s Green Thumbs: A Te Puke Community Collaboration
Here in our vibrant Te Puke community, something truly special is taking root. We're witnessing a remarkable surge of enthusiasm among our rangatahi, our young people, for self-sustainability and the incredible potential of epic gardening. This isn't just about planting seeds; it's about nurturing a...
Ditch the Screens, Discover the Wild: Introducing ‘Kids Unplugged’ – A Kiwi Web Series Inspiring Tamariki to Thrive Outdoors
Okay, I've integrated the bio information for Anton and Kylie Steel into the blog post. Here's the revised version:
Ditch the Screens, Discover the Wild: Introducing 'Kids Unplugged' – A Kiwi Web Series Inspiring Tamariki to Thrive Outdoors
In an age where digital devices seem permanently attach...
A Day of Unity and Joy: Sirens and Services Merivale Celebrates Community and Whānau
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...
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. ...
Epic Te Puke’s Picture-Perfect Easter Trail: A Community Celebration and Economic Boost
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...
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...
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...
Join the Fun on the Kids Kai Trail at the Flavours of Plenty Festival!
This year, the Kids Kai Trail was a big hit at the Flavours of Plenty Festival in Te Puke! It was a day packed with fun, learning, and hands-on activities for kids. From exploring bees to planting in community gardens and even learning how to make their own pizza sauce, the day was full of exciting ...
Te Puke Community Rallies Together for Mum’s Cancer Treatment: A Heartwarming Movie Night Fundraiser
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...
Kids Kai Trial at Flavours of Plenty: A Fun, Hands-On Adventure for Youngsters to Explore Food Resilience
While most events at the Flavours of Plenty festival are designed with adults in mind, there's one exciting exception: the Kids Kai Trail, happening on April 5, hosted by the Te Puke Kai Resilience group and Colab.
Chris Johnstone, Colab coordinator, explained, “While Flavours of Plenty mainly targ...
Te Whare o Tīmata: A Whānau-Centered Journey of Learning, Connection, and Māori Identity
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...
A Green Encounter: When Green and Wild Visited Troppo’s Urban Tropical Food Forest
It's not every day that your passion project catches the attention of someone who shares your vision for a greener, more sustainable world. That's exactly what happened when Bahareh from Green and Wild visited our Troppo urban tropical food forest and nursery in Te Puke, Bay of Plenty. The excitemen...
🌿 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 Together! 🌱🍽️
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 TR...
🌿 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 ...
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...
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...
🌱 Youth Getting Into Syntropic Agroforestry: A Visit from Jared 🌱
The future of regenerative agriculture and food security is bright when young growers step up! 🌿🌏 It’s always exciting to see passionate youth diving into the world of syntropic agroforestry. Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting Jared and his father, Steve, for a tour of Troppo’s tropical food fo...
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.
📅 Dat...
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...
Food Forest Directory of New Zealand
The collation of Foodforests.nz URLs and descriptions is a comprehensive directory of food forests across New Zealand. This resource aims to highlight and showcase the diverse range of food forest initiatives, offering an invaluable guide for enthusiasts, growers, educators, and community groups. Th...
Welcome to FoodForests.nz! 🌱🌿
Step into a world where gardens transform into thriving ecosystems, and every plant tells a story of resilience, connection, and abundance. At FoodForests.nz, we are passionate about empowering individuals, families, and communities across New Zealand to create lush, sustainable food forests that in...
Urban Residential Food Forest in Te Puke
A Hub for Kai Resilience, Food Security, and Rare Tropical Plants
Welcome to our Urban Residential Food Forest in Te Puke — a living example of sustainable, community-focused growing. Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s kiwifruit capital, this space is more than just a garden; it’s a thriving eco...
Brett’s Omanawa Food Forest Tour in the Bay of Plenty
Brett’s down-to-earth, true blue Kiwi approach to cultivating a thriving food forest in the Bay of Plenty is nothing short of inspiring. His philosophy revolves around keeping things simple, practical, and genuinely accessible, ensuring that anyone—whether a seasoned grower or a complete newbie—can ...
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!
...
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 ...
Kiwifruit naming 65th anniversary celebrated in Te Puke
We (Vector Group Charitable Trust/Troppo) are proud to support and collaborate with our community and other organisations like Epic Te Puke. A great night, we provided video and photo coverage of the event.
Photos here https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MkNG-7PRdBTCjv3BTA8Sd3L7-AqCr1i8?usp=s...
Regional Kai Resilience Hui, Food Forest Tour and Ōmanawa Falls
Nau mai, haere mai—welcome to the Regional Kai Resilience Network Hui in Ōmanawa! This special gathering was designed to bring together passionate individuals and communities dedicated to strengthening food resilience and fostering deeper connections through shared knowledge, time, and resources.
T...
