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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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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🌱 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...

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Our Mission: Cultivating a Thriving, Regenerative Future

Our Mission: Cultivating a Thriving, Regenerative Future We are committed to creating a thriving, sustainable food forest that not only nourishes our local community but also serves as a model for regenerative agriculture in the Bay of Plenty and beyond. By fostering deep connections between people...

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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...

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Kriso's Food Forest

Kriso’s Food Forest Te Puke: Syntropic Agroforestry Model

Kriso's Food Forest. Nestled in the lush landscapes of Te Puke, Kriso's Food Forest stands as a beacon of sustainable agriculture and community spirit. This vibrant sanctuary is a testament to nature's power and a thriving example of syntropic agroforestry in action. With generous support from Tr...

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