Kai Rākau - NZ Food Forest Project
“Growing food, culture, and community — one tree at a time.”
👋 Introduction
The Kai Rākau project is a community-driven initiative hosted by Sustainable Paremoremo, focused on establishing a living “museum orchard” of fruit, nut, subtropical, and native medicinal trees at Sanders Reserve.
Since 2010, the project has grafted and planted heritage and endangered varieties—both food and rongoā (Māori medicinal plants)—preserving local biodiversity, sharing traditional knowledge, and showcasing what can be grown in our region.
🌟Why it Matters
🌳 Supports local food security and biodiversity.
🧑🌾 Empowers community members to grow, share, and learn.
🥕 Revives heritage fruit varieties suitable to Auckland’s climate.
🌏 Aligns with broader sustainability and waste reduction goals
🛠️ Our Work in Action
🚜 Land cleared using Neil’s Massey 135 tractor and donated slasher.
🪓 Gorse, tobacco plant, and blackberry removed from the back section.
💧 New irrigation system installed for citrus and subtropicals.
🍎 Grafted heritage apples, pears, plums, figs, and a rare cherry planted.
🙌 Ongoing working bees and seasonal events supported by volunteers.
🙌How To Get Involved
👨🌾 Volunteer
Help plant, harvest, or maintain
💰 Sponsor a Tree
Fund a tree, water tank, or tools
📩 Stay Updated
Join our mailing list for events
🙋♀️Volunteers in Action
Thank you to everyone who made this happen!
🔗 Partners & Resources
🍐 NZ Tree Crops Association – treecrops.org.nz
📘 Permaculture in NZ – permaculture.org.nz
🌳Paremoremo Community Projects (via Sustainable Paremoremo)
💡 Gardening & composting tips – compostcollective.org.nz
🗣️ Community Stories & Stats
“It’s amazing what a few tractors and community hands can uncover — trees planted 13 years ago are thriving again!” – Rebecca, volunteer
🎯 Progress Highlights:
• 30+ trees planted or restored.
• 4 major clean-ups completed.
• 80+ locals involved over 12 months.
🍎Kai Rākau Orchard – Sanders Reserve, Paremoremo
Kai Rākau Orchard – Sanders Reserve, Paremoremo - The orchard spans approximately 14,000 m² along the north-eastern edge of Sanders Reserve near the corner of Sanders and Merewhira Roads, with a nursery, shed, and water tank onsite under a community lease agreement
