Community garden faces an uncertain future

Workers at a community garden in Fairfield fear they may have to give up their carefully tended vegetables to make way for housing.

Fairfield resident Annie Williams says she cares as much for her garden as she does her community.

But the garden is on land “leased” from Housing New Zealand (HNZ) and she is upset they can take it back when they see fit.

Mrs Williams said the idea of community gardens has been around for years.

“It’s always been in the back of my mind for my community.”

But HNZ regional manager, Darren Toy said they are considering redevelopment options for the site and until those plans progress, they support it being used. “We’ve explained to the community that if redevelopment plans progress we will need to take it back – and they have agreed to this.”

Mrs Williams understands the land is “borrowed” but would love to have the garden there permanently as she has seen the good it has done for her area.

“It’s awesome being together (the community). The men get out there and look after the whenua (land) and the kids love the kai.”

The gardens are maintained by volunteers and were initially funded through donations, although they are sustainable now. Anyone, including those who live outside Fairfield,  is welcome to pick a plot and plant vegetables, Mrs Williams said.

Mrs Williams says green thumbs run in the family and her sons also help by watering plants, picking vegetables such as pumpkin and corn, and making relishes for their neighbours.

Local businessman Andrew Archibald and Sergeant Craig Taylor of the Fairfield/Enderley policing team were also involved with establishing the Blake and Keats Community Garden in Decemeber 2013.