Kaiapoi Food Forest

Connect – Nourish – Educate – Inspire

Background

A community food forest is being established in Kaiapoi – the first of its kind in the Waimakariri district.

Intended to be a place that represents an open-park like feel, the plants and trees will be a source of food available to everyone visiting.

Our community are leading this project, with a committed group of trustees and generous support from local community organisations, businesses and residents.

What is a food forest?

A food forest consists of plantings in layers consisting of fruit and nut trees, vegetables, berries, herbs, and perennials and intentionally planted similarly to the way they would grow in the natural world.

Why is a food forest being developed in Kaiapoi?

During the development of the preliminary and draft Waimakariri Residential Red Zone Recovery Plan in 2015 and 2016, community feedback was received for the establishment of a community food forest.

The Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration approved the plan in December 2016 and the greenspace land in the Kaiapoi East Regeneration Area provided an opportunity for edible landscapes such as community food forest and gardens – in September 2017 this is now a reality.

Where is the Kaiapoi Food Forest?

The area of land is approximately 1.5 acres and is bounded by Cass Street, Meadow Street and Oram Place.

Kaiapoi Food Forest-Concept Plan

Kaiapoi Food Forest concept design (for the completed forest) - paths are indicative only

Who is managing the Kaiapoi Food Forest?

The Kaiapoi Food Forest Trust will be responsible for managing the designated area for the food forest. The Trust’s vision is; connect, nourish, educate and inspire.

The Trustees are passionate, experienced and ‘grounded’ people;  Brent and Shirley Cairns, Kaiapoi. Kath Adams, Kaiapoi, Glenn Foley, Kaiapoi, Lesley Ottey, Rangiora, Natalie Leary, Kaiapoi, Lucy Nicolson, Christchurch, Michael Fox, Christchurch and Gordyn Hamblyn, Christchurch

The Trust has a Licence to Occupy land with the Waimakariri District Council and Council’s contractor, Delta, will maintain and mow the green space area within the food forest.

How will the Kaiapoi Food Forest be funded?

There will be a mix of funding and in-kind contributions; donations, external grants, Council grant and corporate and community volunteers. The Trust would love to hear from you if you are interested in making a donation, being involved with planting or any kind of support you would like to offer.

Contact the Kaiapoi Food Forest