Free produce for Kawerau locals

Artists impression of the site. Photo/Supplied

Kawerau's Urban Food Forest (KUFF) project launched this month and will become a source of fresh produce for locals.

The project will see thousands of fruit and nut trees, berries, and herbs planted in the Monika Lanham Reserve with people free to help themselves to the produce at no charge.

A nursery and glasshouse will also be built and workshops held on seed gathering and sowing, with a community garden planted to provide fresh vegetables year-round.

"The long-term goal is to plant more fruit, berry, and nut trees around all the reserves in Kawerau," said KUFF project co-ordinator Hannah Edwardson.

"We want to enable Kawerau locals to help themselves to fresh food from the reserve just as they would from a supermarket."

The project is largely thanks to funding support from Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF), which contributed $20,000.

The project will see thousands of fruit and nut trees, berries, and herbs planted in the Monika Lanham Reserve Photo/Supplied

"We really appreciate the regional council's support," said Ms Edwardson.

"It's a fantastic community initiative and we couldn't do it without the generosity of our partners. We're really excited the project is fully under way."

Council EEF co-ordinator Eddie Sykes said the Kawerau Urban Food Forest project is a great example of a community-driven idea that will enrich people's lives and increase their sense of wellbeing.

"Our vision is to raise environmental awareness and use the enthusiasm and skills of the community. Enabling communities such as Kawerau to share fresh, healthy food is a way of bringing people together and building stronger neighbourhood networks.

"EEF - and the regional council - is delighted to support this project. We hope other Bay of Plenty towns will be inspired to follow Kawerau's example."

Ms Edwardson said the KUFF launch went well with 50 people attending and volunteering to help.

"Everyone was excited by the project. There's a job for everyone somewhere, whether it's digging a hole or helping out in the nursery, and we hope this project will involve every person in Kawerau."