‘Manukau Fruit Bowl’ coming soon!

‘Manukau Fruit Bowl’ is an unofficial name.. But right behind our current base at 41 Boundary road on the edge of Te Pae o Manukau (commonly known as Manukau Sports Bowl), we have been penciling in a Food forest.

Forests are naturally regenerative, with a mix of plants growing in different layers and heights, they protect and build soil through diverse planting. Forests once established pretty much look after themselves whilst providing abundance in terms of food, fruit and resources. Thinking back to our ancestors, the ngāhere was their supermarket and their hardware store. Our dream is to grow an abundance of food to help sustain the surrounding community but also to grow resources and taonga that sailed to Aotearoa with us on the waka long ago.

After positive meetings with Mana whenua, local council and organisers of ASB Polyfest and Lantern Festival, we are excited to share that preparation for our Food Forest will commence in April after Polyfest. Deep soil examination and testing is complete so we know exactly what we’re working with, and what a soil mendments are needed to give the trees the best start.

Food forest site behind 41 Boundary Road, Ōtara (left) and drafted design of what our Food forest could be… (right)

PVA will be main kaitiaki of the food forest, but the idea is that local community will help take care of this space as their own. Many hands make light work, the space is currently grass and for a forest as big as this we will need all the hands we can get. Imagine 10 years into the future being able to tell your kids and grandkids you planted this for them to enjoy…

If you are in a position to support us in any way with this upcoming project, or have a cool suggestion for a name instead of ‘Manukau Fruit Bowl’ please get in touch: manava@pva.org.nz