MAP / COMMUNITY SPACES / AVONDALE COMMUNITY GARDEN
Avondale Community Garden
Cheep, cheep, peeps! What parts of the trail have you travelled along so far?
Did you come along Kerrs Reach, beside the river? Often there’s lots of human and bird activity on this stretch of the Avon Ōtākaro. Maybe you spotted rowing boats or raupō plants (bullrush)? Pūtangitangi (paradise ducks; the females have white on them) or diving beetles?
Healthy rivers teem with life. We can all play a part in making sure the river is cared for and ‘well’.
Anyone can become a kaitiaki of nature, whatever age! Jordan Wilson was just 12 years old when he decided to set up a community garden in the area. You can find it between Scoular Place (which, funnily enough is an old Scottish word meaning student!) and Mervyn Drive. Jordan started the garden in 2021, along with help from the local community and donations from various groups and retailers. He is still involved. Produce grown here also helps stock The Community Fridge and Pantry in New Brighton.
‘He kai kei aku ringa’ (there is food at the end of my hands) is a Māori whakataukī about resilience, empowerment and hope.
What are your hopes for the green spine? What skills and knowledge can you offer?
How might you care for nature, too?
Links:
Avondale Community Garden
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079906071306
Jordan starting the garden https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/126746197/12yearold-creates-community-garden-for-those-in-need
History of Kerr of Kerr’s Reach
https://www.peelingbackhistory.co.nz/kerrs-reach/
Next steps:
Council plan for Kerrs Reach watersports area