Imagine a place where community, culture, and nature come together, guided by the principles of Koanga Kai and Māori beliefs.
A place where the wisdom of our ancestors leads the way, and the power of community support drives the project forward. That’s exactly what we’re creating—an immersive, sustainable destination that nurtures both the land and the people.
At the heart of this project is the construction of a polycarbonate geodesic dome, a symbol of sustainability and abundance, filled with tropical and exotic plants. Surrounding this will be a community whare, open to all, and dedicated to learning, healing, and cultural connection. It’s a place where local people can come together, without cost, to explore the rich traditions of Māori medicine, self-sufficiency, and growing by the moon.
Our goal is to create a vibrant hub that offers garden tours, team-building opportunities, and even sales of arts and crafts made by local artisans. We want to inspire and empower through education, sharing the history of the West Coast and teaching people the importance of companion planting, sustainable living, and community spirit.
Here’s how we’re bringing this vision to life.
The Geodesic Dome: A Tropical Haven
The centerpiece of our project is the polycarbonate geodesic dome, which will house a variety of tropical plants. We chose polycarbonate for its durability and ability to maintain the right conditions for exotic plants, even in the ever-changing New Zealand climate.
Inside, we’ll grow exotic fruits, berries, and medicinal plants that can support rongoā Māori, offering both education and healing. The dome will showcase sustainable gardening methods like companion planting and the ancient practice of growing by the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar).
This space will also serve as a key educational tool for visitors, whether they come for garden tours or participate in workshops about self-sufficiency and sustainable growing.
A Community Whare for Learning and Connection
Our vision extends beyond the dome, into a community whare—a place of gathering, learning, and creating. This whare will be free to all locals, offering workshops on Māori medicines, traditional food-growing techniques, and arts and crafts.
The idea is simple: foster connection. Through team-building activities, storytelling, and cultural exchange, we’ll create a space that enriches the lives of locals and visitors alike. It will be a place where people can learn about their ancestors, explore Māori history, and walk away with a deeper appreciation for the West Coast’s rich cultural heritage.
Māori History and Culture: Learning from the Past
We’re not just creating a garden; we’re building a place that honors the history of the West Coast, teaching visitors about the Māori connection to the land and the importance of whakapapa (genealogy). Through guided tours and storytelling, people will learn about the significance of growing food in harmony with the environment, guided by the ancestors who came before us.
This educational aspect will make the destination not just a retreat, but a cultural experience that fosters deeper respect for both the land and its history.
A Garden of Eden for the Community
One of the most exciting parts of the project is the creation of a community garden, which we envision as a true Garden of Eden. From vegetables to avocado trees, the garden will provide an abundance of food, using permaculture principles to create a self-sustaining system.
We’ll focus on organic practices and companion planting, showing people how to work with nature rather than against it. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn, get their hands dirty, and take that knowledge home to their own gardens. And all of the produce grown here will be shared with the community, bringing real benefit to the people.
Animals: Connecting with Nature
A small animal sanctuary will be part of the garden, featuring animals such as ducks, chickens, sheep, goats, pigs, and rabbits. These animals will provide more than just companionship; they will be an essential part of the education experience, showing visitors—especially children—the importance of agriculture and sustainable farming.
By creating spaces where people can engage with these animals, we hope to teach about animal welfare and the importance of a balanced, healthy ecosystem.
Tourism and Team Building: A Space for All
While the primary focus of this project is on community building, we also see potential for it to become a destination for eco-tourism and team-building events. Visitors can immerse themselves in Māori culture through workshops, healing sessions, and guided tours.
We’re also designing team-building programs for businesses, where groups can come together to work on gardening projects, explore traditional Māori knowledge, or even build small structures, like compost systems, as part of their activities.
Revenue generated from these activities, along with sales of arts and crafts and medicinal herbs, will go directly back into supporting the community garden and maintaining free access to the whare.
Looking Forward: How You Can Get Involved
We’re just at the beginning of this journey, but with the support of the community and guidance from our ancestors, we’re confident this vision will become a reality.
If you’re passionate about sustainability, Māori culture, or just want to be part of something that will benefit the entire community, we invite you to join us. We’re planning to launch a crowdfunding campaign soon and are always looking for volunteers or partners who share our vision.
You can stay updated on our progress and learn more about how to get involved by visiting our website, www.huntergatherergardener.co.nz.
Together, we can create a place where the land provides, the community thrives, and the future is built on the foundation of ancestral wisdom.
What part of this project excites you the most? Let us know in the comments below, or reach out if you'd like to be involved in any way!
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