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Initiatives and Collaboration
- Events and Community Engagement
- Crop Swap Te Puke
- Food Resilience School NZ
- Food Forests of New Zealand (www.foodforests.nz)
- Nursery Map - Plant Suppliers of NZ Directory (www.nurserymap.nz)
- Te Puke Community Garden
- Te Puke Digital
- Te Puke Region Food Co-op
- TROPPOās Food Forest in Te Puke, BOP (wwwfoodforest.org.nz)
- TROPPO's Nursery Directory
- Troppoās Plant Collection
- Vector Group Charitable Trust (Umbrella)
šæ Giggles Garden Glow-Up: Growing, Learning & Digging in Together! š±

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 isnāt just about growing plantsāitās about growing little minds, big hearts, and strong communities! With fresh fruits, veggies, and hands-on learning, kids get to dig, plant, and taste their way to a better understanding of where food comes from. Plus, the garden helps families by offering fresh produce to take homeābecause healthy eating should be easy and fun!
Banana Magic: The Mighty Mis Luki! šāØ
One of the most exciting sights in the Giggles Garden Glow-Up is watching the Mis Luki banana thrive! š± This incredible banana plant is growing strong and looking epic, with a flower just around the corner. Seeing tropical fruit flourish right here in Te Puke is a testament to the care and dedication of the community. Soon, the kids will get to witness the magic of a banana bloomāan amazing learning moment about how food grows from flower to fruit! Stay tuned for the big reveal as this banana beauty keeps reaching for the sky! šæš
Community Power: Letās Get Planting!
Shona Ua-Marsh, the heart behind this green project, invited plant lovers and helpers after a catch-up at the Kai Resilience Te Puke meetup. Thatās how a fantastic new addition is coming to the gardenāthanks to Troppoās Tropical Food Forest in Clydesburn Ave! Theyāve donated some super cool fruit trees, including:
š White Sapote ā Sweet and creamy, like a natural pudding!
šµ Dragon Fruit ā Spiky on the outside, but juicy and pink on the inside!
š Black Mulberry ā Little berries that are BIG on flavor (and perfect for little hands)!
šæ Reminder: Join Us for the Maara Kai Clean-Up! šæ
Kia ora, everyone!
This is a friendly reminder about our upcoming Maara Kai (vegetable garden) Clean-Up Day! Letās come together as a community to tidy up, refresh, and prepare the garden for the autumn planting season.
š When: Sunday, 2nd March
š Time: 9am – 12 noon
š Where: Giggles Te Puke Early Learning Centre, 68 Commerce Lane, Te Puke
Whether youāre a weed warrior, tidy-up champion, or a helping hand, every bit of effort will make a huge difference. Bring your gardening tools, gloves, and positive energy! Weāll provide light refreshments as a little thank-you for your hard work.
š¬ Let us know by Saturday, 1st March, if you can make it! Drop a comment or message usāweād love to see as many of you as possible. Even if you can only spare a little time, itās hugely appreciated!
Join the Fun! š¼š
A garden glow-up isnāt just about plantingāitās about laughing, learning, and getting a little messy! This is more than just a gardenāitās a place where kids explore, experiment, and experience the magic of nature. Itās about sharing, caring, and growingātogether!
So, grab your gumboots, gloves, and a big smileābecause the Giggles Garden Glow-Up is going to be a rootinā-tootinā, fruit-plantinā good time! š±āØ