Te Waerenga has begun establishing a māra kai (vegetable garden) in Addington Park, located at the intersection of Barrington Street and Jerrold Street North, for the benefit of the wider Addington community.

The garden is already underway, with a wide range of vegetables planted. While there is still work to be done, the space is steadily growing into something special. It is situated in the south corner of the park and does not impact the existing sports field.

The māra kai is being developed across four key areas:

• Foraging loop – a mix of vegetables, low fruit trees, berries, flowers and herbs that anyone can freely harvest at any time.

• Kai security garden – focused on growing produce to support local whānau, volunteers, and food banks.

• Accessible raised garden beds – designed to ensure the space is inclusive and usable for everyone.

We’re excited about what’s already been achieved and what’s still to come. This māra kai is helping create spaces of belonging, strengthening connection, and contributing to a safer, more connected Addington.

• It is already producing fresh kai and will continue to strengthen local food security.

• It is inspiring and supporting the growth of more māra kai across Addington.

• It is growing a community of gardeners through shared skills, knowledge, and connection.

What are the next steps?
The Māra Kai Subcommittee has been formed to help guide the project through its next stages. This group is leading the coordination, planning, and navigation of the processes required to continue developing the space. While great progress has been made, there is still important work ahead to fully realise the vision. Email us if your keen to help with the planning. addingtonparkcommunitygarden@gmail.com