Auckland Suburb Transforms Abandoned Lot Into Thriving Community Garden Feeding 200 Families

Photo: Steve Adams / Unsplash
What was once a graffiti-covered vacant lot in Māngere, Auckland, has become a vibrant community garden producing over 800 kilograms of fresh vegetables each month. Launched by a group of Pacific Island families with support from local council, the garden now serves 200 households and runs free weekly cooking workshops. The project has also created eight part-time paid roles for local residents and sparked three similar initiatives in neighbouring suburbs.
What was once a graffiti-covered vacant lot in Māngere, Auckland, has become a vibrant community garden producing over 800 kilograms of fresh vegetables each month. Launched by a group of Pacific Island families with support from local council, the garden now serves 200 households and runs free weekly cooking workshops. The project has also created eight part-time paid roles for local residents and sparked three similar initiatives in neighbouring suburbs.