On the 18th of October, Boundary 274 hosted a Neighbours Day, celebrating all the great offerings of the Boundary 274 Hub for the local community.

There was plenty happening throughout the day — delicious food, guided garden tours, a DIY cleaning products workshop, bike repairs, games, a plant sale, and stalls sharing waste and composting information. Visitors could also learn more about the exciting Food Forest project coming next year.

Locals and neighbours wandered up the driveway to discover info stalls on composting and waste reduction, with Compost Queen Kat on hand to answer questions. Samples of Sera’s homemade chutney went down well, and a stall overflowing with lush plants grown in the Kaiwaka k’oanga were snapped up by many.

Garden tours ran every half hour, showcasing the kaupapa of Kaiwaka — a kai resilience movement grounded in the wayfinding knowledge of Te Moana Nui a Kiwa. Visitors admired the thriving Ko’anga (nursery), manavai, banana circle, and wholly trinity — which were all MANAfesting beautifully. The newest additions to Kaiwaka — an umu and hue trellis — sparked plenty of curiosity and interest from locals.

The final stop on the garden tour was a visit to The Roots Creative and S Double S Services Bike Hub, where visitors learned about the kaupapa and resources available from Waikare, Scott and Titi. Before long, tamariki were doing laps on bikes around the hub — a lovely sight to see!

Meanwhile, the sausage sizzle — tended by the Roots Creative crew with fresh salads from Raju kept everyone well fed. Vegetarians weren’t forgotten, with grilled courgette slices proving a hit! Families and neighbours gathered around a long outdoor table, sharing kai, kōrero, laughter, and connection.

*Make you own Cleaning Products Workshop with Sera*

Among the highlights was Sera’s ‘Make Your Own Cleaning Products’ workshop. Sera shared familiar and nostalgic ingredients like Sunlight Soap, sparking memories of mothers and grandparents using it for everything from laundry to hair washing. Attendees followed along to make their own washing powder and dishwashing powder, taking home their products in glass jars. The success of this hands-on workshop has already sparked interest in more PVA workshops and drop-in sessions.

Thanks to Ana’s letterbox drop, new faces from the neighbourhood arrived to explore the hub. Her outreach to local schools also paid off, with teachers visiting from nearby schools. One teacher from Flat Bush Primary School purchased several plants for both home and the school garden, while another expressed interest in bringing her class along for the upcoming Food Forest planting day in April 2026. By the end of the event new friendships and connections had formed, and neighbours left carrying plants, homemade cleaners, and fresh inspiration. More than anything, the day highlighted what Boundary 274 does best — bringing people together through kai, creativity, and connection to the whenua. With the Food Forest project on the horizon, the community’s spirit and enthusiasm is ready to take root.

Neighbours Day October 2025

Know to Sew, with Jay.

Tribute to Dr Janet O’Connor