Feeding a community, from the ground up

On Seadown Crescent in Amberley, a once-empty green space is being transformed into something that will nourish the community for years to come.

Earlier this month, the Amberley Community Garden and Food Forest celebrated a major milestone with its first community planting day. More than 70 local residents turned out to support the project, helping to plant fruit trees, spread mulch, and prepare the site for the next stage of development.

Hurunui Mayor Marie Black has been a strong supporter of the project throughout its planning stages, and officially marked the occasion by planting the garden's first specimen — a lemon tree.

“This garden is a true reflection of what can happen when a community works together."

The day was a true community celebration, with food provided through Hurunui District Council's community barbecue trailer, produce donated by Satisfy Food Rescue, generous contributions of home baking from local residents, and music, it all added to the atmosphere.

The idea for the community garden grew from a food security hui held in Amberley in August 2025 by Food Secure North Canterbury, Hurunui District Council, and Satisfy Food Rescue. During the hui, community members identified food security as a key concern and explored practical ways to increase access to fresh, healthy food. The concept of a community garden quickly emerged as one of the most supported solutions.

Amberley resident Janine Youle, a member of the Amberley Community Garden Group, said since then, a dedicated group of volunteers have worked tirelessly to turn the vision into reality.

"We've spent months talking about what this could become. Now we've got trees in the ground and clear plans for what's next. We're no longer just talking the talk — we're walking the walk."

She said over the past ten months volunteers have invested hundreds of hours into the project, including securing approvals from the South Ward Community Board, obtaining access to a 700-square-metre site, undertaking community consultation, developing plans for the garden, sourcing funding and donations, coordinating volunteers, preparing the site, and organising the first planting day.

“The planting day involved volunteers digging holes, improving soil, transporting materials, spreading mulch, and planting 15 fruit trees alongside companion plants including berries, rhubarb, and comfrey.”

Youle added that school leaders from Amberley School and Leithfield School have also played an important role, assisting with tree planting and preparing to support future mulching and planting activities.

"So much passion has been unleashed through this project."

Hurunui District Council Community Development Facilitator Jacqui Rose said the level of community support had been one of the most rewarding aspects of the project, the incredible volunteering of time, resources, skills, and knowledge.

“People have stepped forward in so many different ways, whether that's donating materials, sharing expertise, lending equipment, or simply turning up and getting stuck in,” said Rose.

The next stage of the project will focus on completing the food forest planting, spreading mulch throughout the site, and constructing raised garden beds that will eventually grow vegetables, herbs, and additional fruit.

Rose added that as the garden develops, produce will be shared in a variety of ways, including being available to local residents and, where possible, supporting local foodbanks and community sharing initiatives.

The garden will be maintained by volunteers, with ongoing support from community members, organisations, and businesses.

The long-term vision is for the space to become more than just a garden.

“The group hopes to host workshops, open days, and community events, creating opportunities for residents of all ages to learn new skills, connect with others, and participate in growing local food,” said Rose.

Youle said the Amberley Community Garden Group would like to acknowledge the many individuals, businesses, schools, and organisations whose generosity have helped bring the project to life, support coming in many forms including funding, plants, materials, equipment, expertise, and volunteer labour.

A special thanks to Food Secure North Canterbury, Hurunui District Council, Together Hurunui, Amberley Lions Club, Amberley Menzshed, Satisfy Food Rescue, Loburn Sawmill, Amberley School, Leithfield School, and the many community members who have contributed along the way.

Rose said while there is still plenty of work ahead, the first trees in the ground represent an important step towards a community-led space that will continue to grow, feed, and connect people for years to come.