Restoring Eden Terrace: Growing a Community Rongoā Forest

Tucked away at the very end of Eden Terrace in Kaitaia is a special green space with a long history—and an exciting new chapter beginning.

Eden Terrace was first planted as a community rongoā space in the early 2000s. For a time, it was a thriving place for the community to connect with native plants, mātauranga and one another. Over the years, however, invasive weeds and vines took over, and the garden became difficult to access. For several years, this beautiful space sat largely unused and almost hidden beneath the growth.

In 2024, Tiaki Taiao Trust began the mahi of bringing Eden Terrace back to life. With support from NorthTec, local organisations, volunteers, neighbours and members of our community, we have been slowly uncovering what was still growing beneath the weeds.

It has been huge mahi. Dense vines have been cut back, invasive plants removed, pathways uncovered, mulch spread and lots of native plants added throughout the space. Northland Tree Care generously donated truckloads of mulch, helping us protect the soil, retain moisture and give the young plants the best possible start.

As the layers have been cleared away, we have also discovered how much life was already there. Native trees, tiny fungi, snails and all sorts of small forest treasures have emerged from beneath the vines. Tamariki have been part of the mahi too—exploring, helping, learning and watching the forest slowly open up again.

Eden Terrace is becoming more than a garden. Our vision is for it to grow into a welcoming community rongoā forest: a place where people can walk, learn, gather, reconnect with te taiao and become familiar with the plants growing around us. We want it to become a beautiful green jewel for our town, cared for and enjoyed by the whole community.

The next stage: our community pathway

Now that much of the clearing and planting has been completed, we are preparing for the next exciting stage: creating a paved pathway through the garden.

The pathway will be approximately 70 metres long and will feature special pavers decorated by local tamariki and schools. Their artwork will become a permanent part of Eden Terrace, creating a pathway that carries the creativity and stories of our community through the rongoā forest.

We already have pavers, outdoor paint, bark, mulch and plants. We are still seeking support with:

• Gravel

• Cement or mortar

• Labour and volunteers

• People experienced in paving or concreting

• The use of a cement mixer

• Kai for the installation crew

• Financial sponsorship or koha

Every contribution—whether it is materials, labour, knowledge, sponsorship or a few hours of your time—will help us bring this shared vision to life.

Come and join the mahi

We will be working at Eden Terrace every Thursday from 12–3pm as we prepare the garden and pathway for the September installation day.

There are jobs for different ages, abilities and energy levels, including clearing, planting, spreading mulch, shifting materials and preparing the pathway. You do not need gardening experience—just bring covered shoes, weather-appropriate clothing and a willingness to be part of something positive for our town.

You’ll find us right at the end of Eden Terrace, Kaitaia. Please park safely along the side of the road.

To volunteer, donate materials, offer sponsorship or help with the pathway installation, contact Jade at waahinewild@gmail.com.

Together, we can restore this treasured space and grow a community rongoā forest that will be enjoyed for generations to come.