Growing kai in community spaces

Kai Sustenance such as food. -growing spaces are areas where you can grow food for the surrounding community. We designed these spaces to provide opportunities that:

• build a sense of community
• give access to fresh nutritious food
• reduce waste
• improve our environment.

Spaces can range from small to medium gardens to  food forests Where food-bearing plants and trees grow in a way that copies natural forest ecosystems and patterns. and teaching gardens Where individuals, community groups and organisations can learn how to grow their own food. .

We have a few active community groups across Tāmaki Makaurau that you can get involved with.

If you want to find existing kai-growing spaces you can check the Live Lightly community groups map.

If you are interested in urban foraging you can check the Live Lightly fruit tree map.

Setting up a new space is a long-term commitment. We recommend you read the guidelines to understand what this involves.

The guidelines describe:

• the types of kai-growing spaces
• what you can and can not use the space for
• what to consider before you start
• the six-step process to set up and maintain the space
• how to establish and formalise a community group
• how these spaces support our climate plan.
  

​Email kaigrowing@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz if you want to start the process. Our team will contact you to discuss your plans.