MAHINGA MAARA
MATAURI COMMUNITY GARDEN 2021
We aim to initiate a community garden and orchard in the open space, next to Nairi’s Community Nursery in Matauri Bay. The location is central to Matauri Bay where the community can monitor and participate in the development and maintenance of the garden. The initiative is approved by Matauri X Incorporation and local hapū members and it takes up no more than one acre in size.
Why? We want to:
encourage the community to come together in a project for a united purpose - Mahinga Maara!
provide training opportunities with a view to promote gardening through the Māori calendar
retain our own unique gardening knowledge
re-ignite confidence amongst our people to do things together; and
ensure there is food on all our tables.
What? We want to
learn about growing vegetables and fruit
grow food according to processes used by our elders
learn Mātauranga Māori about gardening from our own people by utilising their stories of guardianship through the works of Rongomātāne [guardian of crops and peace]
provide food for the elderly or those who are not active or able to physically assist; and
strengthen relationships.
How: we have keen people who are available on the home front and are ready and able to work this project for the benefit of many. These people will lead activities and coordinate others into the garden as they are available.
Start/finish: we broke ground at the end of October in preparation for planting in November-December 2021. Harvest will occur in March-April then we will look to repeat the garden cycle again thereafter.
If you are interested in joining us follow the latest activities on Face Book @ Matauri Community Garden to get involved. Everyone is welcome!
For more information please contact
Tiare Pomare [Project Manager]
021 02650618