From Bare Earth to Edible Abundance: The Genesis of Kai Resilience
Planting the Seeds of Food Resilience in Hairini, Tauranga
Kai resilience—the ability of a community to sustainably feed itself—is the driving force behind the fantastic project now underway at Changepoint Church in Hairini. This pivotal initiative is the genesis of an edible abundance, expertly organised by the church’s visionary, Cathy Harris. Every plant placed in the soil today is an investment in future local food security. The goal is to transform one full acre on 131 Poike Road into a thriving community food forest designed to provide fruit for everyone.
The scale of the project is impressive, with eight zones already seeing life, but today was about accelerating the vision. We were fortunate to have the dedicated support of the Tauranga Food Forest Group, whose members are experts in creating productive, lasting ecosystems. I had the privilege of working alongside Selena, whose passion for sustainable food systems is evident in her incredible work leading tours and strengthening the group.
The air was alive with activity. It was heartening to witness the raw energy of the kids, who truly embraced the hard mahi of digging and planting. They are the future beneficiaries of this garden, and their active participation is a powerful step towards embedding a culture of self-sufficiency. Selena and I both contributed plants to the growing space, eager to see the vision of a food paradise unfold under Cathy’s guidance.
The day was a huge success, thanks in part to the cooperative weather and, significantly, to the kindness of the organisers who provided a much-needed and delicious morning tea. It was a moment to pause, connect, and appreciate the collective effort. The call for plant donations was answered, and every contribution helps fill the vast space, leaving a legacy that will literally feed the community.
The Changepoint Church food forest is a tangible model for local food resilience in Tauranga. It’s an open invitation to the community to not just consume food, but to be actively involved in its creation, ensuring a more resilient and abundant food future for all, a vision brought to life by Cathy Harris.
