Latest news with #ApuluReeceAutagavaia
RNZ News
2 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
Advocates push for new community gardens in South Auckland
Fresh crops harvested from the garden are shared through local initiatives, including the Ōtara Kai Village social kai store and community meals. Photo: LDR/supplied A South Auckland local government official is calling for more community gardens to help tackle food poverty. Auckland Council's Community Innovation team supports 104 community gardens and other projects aimed at helping residents grow their own food. Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia said community gardens could help bridge the gap for families struggling with the rising cost of living. "The cost of living is a lot more expensive, and if we have community gardens that try and fill that gap about providing fresh, healthy, nutritious and possibly free kai for our families, that's all for the better," Autagavaia said. He urged local groups to step forward with proposals, saying the local board was ready to work with the community. "If any other groups have an idea of starting a community garden in one of our reserves and it's a good location, then start talking to us and let's get the process going." Data from the Auckland City Mission shows that one in four children in the city is food insecure, with even higher rates among Māori and Pasifika children. One in three Māori children and one in two Pasifika children do not get the nutrients they need daily. Community gardens provide a shared space to grow kai and reconnect with the land. Photo: LDR/supplied Tara Moala, who leads the Mission's Food Security team, said that while more than 2000 food parcels were distributed each month, those alone could not meet the growing demand. "Food banks are an emergency response," she said. "If we want lasting change, we need to enable communities to feed themselves." In Papatoetoe, four teaching gardens operated by the Auckland Teaching Gardens Trust provide residents with plots of land and hands-on guidance in growing their own food. Autagavaia said they were valuable, but believed more was needed. "We want more than just the four teaching gardens. We also want to see community gardens where they have a much broader focus about alleviating food poverty in our area." Community gardens differ from teaching gardens in that they focus on a shared purpose, allowing members to grow food collectively and distribute it directly to those in need. The Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board also supports Maara Kai initiatives, such as those run by the Community Builders Trust, which grows crops to distribute for free within the community. One example is the Ōtara Maara Kai, a shared garden open to all and managed by local kaitiaki. Instead of individual plots, it provides a collective space for growing kai and reconnecting with the land. Harvests support multiple initiatives, including the Ōtara Kai Village, where food is distributed through a social kai store, served in free community meals at the OKV Café, and shared with the wider community. One possible location for a new community garden is at Pearl Baker Reserve in East Tāmaki. "There's a back part of that reserve that could be a good location for a community garden," Autagavaia said. "Ngāti Ōtara Marae and others have shown interest in running that type of community garden at that location." Community gardens across Auckland are helping families access fresh, healthy kai and build local food resilience. Photo/Auckland Council. Photo: The local board has requested that council staff identify more spaces suitable for both teaching and community gardens in South Auckland. Auckland Council's Community Innovation team works with local boards, churches and community groups to create a resilient, low-carbon food system. Manager Sunita Kashyap said these projects addressed both climate change and inequality. "We face a significant inequity challenge," she said. "Growing and sharing kai is a way for people to lead climate and wellbeing action from the ground up." Current initiatives include: Auckland Council's Head of Community Impact Dickie Humphries said, "Kai resilience is about prioritising low-carbon, resilient, local food systems that provide all Aucklanders with access to fresh and healthy food." He added that while interest in food growing was strong, competition for land and funding remained key challenges, with only two new community gardens approved on council land in the past two years. Auckland Council allocated $1.6 million to kai resilience initiatives in the 2024/2025 financial year, but funding beyond 2026 has not yet been confirmed Autagavaia said the urgency was clear. "If we can provide fresh, healthy kai for families at little or no cost, it's a win for everyone, and the sooner we start, the better." LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Scoop
2 days ago
- General
- Scoop
Food Insecurity: Advocates Push For New Community Gardens In South Auckland
A South Auckland local government official is calling for more community gardens to help tackle food poverty. Auckland Council's Community Innovation team supports 104 community gardens and other projects aimed at helping residents grow their own food. Apulu Reece Autagavaia, the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair, says community gardens can help bridge the gap for families struggling with the rising cost of living. 'The cost of living is a lot more expensive, and if we have community gardens that try and fill that gap about providing fresh, healthy, nutritious and possibly free kai for our families, that's all for the better,' Apulu says. He is urging local groups to step forward with proposals, saying the local board is ready to work with the community. 'If any other groups have an idea of starting a community garden in one of our reserves and it's a good location, then start talking to us and let's get the process going.' The need for change Data from the Auckland City Mission shows that one in four children in the city is food insecure, with even higher rates among Māori and Pasifika children - one in three Māori children and one in two Pasifika children do not get the nutrients they need daily. Tara Moala, who leads the Mission's Food Security team, says that while more than 2000 food parcels are distributed each month, those alone cannot meet the growing demand. 'Food banks are an emergency response,' she says. 'If we want lasting change, we need to enable communities to feed themselves.' More than just teaching gardens In Papatoetoe, four teaching gardens operated by the Auckland Teaching Gardens Trust provide residents with plots of land and hands-on guidance in growing their own food. Apulu says they are valuable, but believes more is needed. 'We want more than just the four teaching gardens. We also want to see community gardens where they have a much broader focus about alleviating food poverty in our area.' Community gardens differ from teaching gardens in that they focus on a shared purpose, allowing members to grow food collectively and distribute it directly to those in need. The Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board also supports Maara Kai initiatives, such as those run by the Community Builders Trust, which grows crops to distribute for free within the community. One example is the Ōtara Maara Kai, a shared garden open to all and managed by local kaitiaki. Instead of individual plots, it provides a collective space for growing kai and reconnecting with the land. Harvests support multiple initiatives, including the Ōtara Kai Village, where food is distributed through a social kai store, served in free community meals at the OKV Café, and shared with the wider community. Potential new sites One possible location for a new community garden is at Pearl Baker Reserve in East Tāmaki. 'There's a back part of that reserve that could be a good location for a community garden,' Apulu says. 'Ngāti Ōtara Marae and others have shown interest in running that type of community garden at that location.' The local board has requested that council staff identify more spaces suitable for both teaching and community gardens in South Auckland. The wider movement Auckland Council's Community Innovation team works with local boards, churches, and community groups to create a resilient, low-carbon food system. Manager Sunita Kashyap says these projects address both climate change and inequality. 'We face a significant inequity challenge,' she says. 'Growing and sharing kai is a way for people to lead climate and wellbeing action from the ground up.' Current initiatives include: 104 community gardens across Auckland, with 44 located on council land. The Tumoana Dive Programme, where rangatahi learn to dive and fish for kaimoana while developing leadership skills. The Fonua mahu mei Langi Tongan gardening project, teaching families to grow and share vegetables through a train-the-trainer model. Council's response Dickie Humphries, Auckland Council's Head of Community Impact, says 'Kai resilience is about prioritising low-carbon, resilient, local food systems that provide all Aucklanders with access to fresh and healthy food.' He added that while interest in food growing is strong, competition for land and funding remain key challenges, with only two new community gardens approved on council land in the past two years. Auckland Council allocated $1.6 million to kai resilience initiatives in the 2024/2025 financial year, but funding beyond 2026 has not yet been confirmed Apulu says the urgency is clear. 'If we can provide fresh, healthy kai for families at little or no cost, it's a win for everyone, and the sooner we start, the better.' - LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
RNZ News
06-06-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Ōtara youth challenged to design new town centre playground
A new playground is coming to Ōtara, a project led by local rangatahi. Photo: Supplied / Auckland Council Ōtara's only town centre playground is getting a fresh start with local youth leading the charge. Auckland Council removed the playground and seating area in January in a bid to deter antisocial behaviour and public drinking outside the Ōtara TAB, leaving some of the community disheartened . It followed a local board decision in November 2024 to relocate the town centre playground. In a rare show of youth-led democracy, rangatahi are not only guiding the design but asking the community to help decide its location before consultation closes on 20 June. A drop-in session was being held at Ōtara Music Arts Centre (OMAC on Friday night. Ōtara Papatoeote local board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia said they wanted to empower young people to decide on things that they will use. "Nobody knows what's best for youth than the youth themselves," he said. "This is a playground they decided over, and hopefully they'll take care of it and help find solutions if any issues come up." Community youth groups like TOPs (The Ōtara-Papatoetoe Squad), PACT, Ōtara Youth Hub, TYLA Youth Development Trust, and Adullam Boys are helping guide the public consultation. Apulu said the consultation was also a chance to think more broadly about safety and support in the area. "Ōtara Town Centre is for everyone, and we want it to be safe for everyone too. For those affected by antisocial behaviour, how can we activate the space in a positive and safe way? And how can we involve social services to help address the drinking issues our people are facing?" Manukau ward councillor Lotu Fuli said different groups had asked to remove the playground due to their children being exposed to antisocial behaviour. The original playground was moved from the Bairds Road Reserve as an answer to the community's concerns. There are four proposed locations for the new playground: Photo: Supplied / Auckland Council While the rangatahi are leading the project and design, Fuli said there would be constraints due to budgets. The final proposal is expected to go to the local board for approval in October, with building scheduled to start between April and June 2026. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Scoop
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Game Of Loans: Libraries Lend Out Board Games
Article – Mary Afemata – Local Democracy Reporter This week, 10 Auckland libraries, including Manurewa, Papatoetoe, and Mngere Bridge, launched a free board games lending service for adults. Libraries are stepping up their game – literally. This week, 10 Auckland libraries, including Manurewa, Papatoetoe, and Māngere Bridge, launched a free board games lending service for adults. It's part of a push to re-engage young adults and make libraries more social, inclusive, and fun. Chair of the Ōtara Papatoetoe local board, Apulu Reece Autagavaia, says it's an amazing initiative. 'Many of our Pacific communities have traditions of playing board games and the like, including mū or Samoan checkers. 'Card games and dominoes are also played throughout the Pacific. These games are fun and interactive, but also develop skills and strategic thinking.' Cardholders can borrow board games for free. Each person can borrow one game at a time for up to two weeks. Torisse Laulu, founder of Lalaga Card Games, says it's an 'incredible' idea. 'It's so brilliant, honestly,' she says. She believes the move is progressive and could foster deeper, real-world connections in an increasingly digital age. Laulu says screen time has taken over much of daily life, affecting how people relate to one another, and that board games could help reverse that. '[Screen time] plays such a big role in stopping real-life interactions and connections. So if … we can use board games and find more spaces to connect outside of that and in real life, I think it's nice to revert back to what makes us innately human.' she says. The pilot is part of Auckland Council's push to use libraries as community hubs that promote social connection, mental stimulation and affordable fun. Catherine Leonard, Head of Library and Learning Services for Auckland Council, says the motivation behind piloting a board game lending collection comes from the libraries seeking innovative collections. 'National and international data shows a clear trend of libraries diversifying their collections, and communities seeking new kinds of engagement with libraries. After hearing about other library systems offering lending board games collections, we were inspired to investigate a collection of our own,' she says. 'Board games offer Aucklanders a free, sustainable and technology-free entertainment option. A borrowable library collection is fantastic for those living in dwellings with limited storage space for their own board game collection.' Designed for adults, Leonard says that international trends showed strong growth in board game use among 20 to 30-year-olds. 'As this is a demographic that we see less frequently in our libraries, the decision was made to target our pilot collection at this age group, with the collection available for borrowing for any customer aged 18+.' The pilot games were chosen for their popularity, repeat playability, and appeal to a wide range of interests and group sizes. She says most importantly, playing board games brings people together. 'They present us with an opportunity to build relationships with friends and family in real life.' Borrowing a board game Cardholders must be 18 or older to borrow from the board game collection. There are no late fees. Borrowers must ensure all pieces are carefully returned in their original packaging. Games must be returned to the front desk at any Auckland library branch, not through the returns chute, as staff need to check for missing or damaged items. This may incur a fine. Locations to browse games Board games are only available at the following libraries: Botany, Central City, East Coast Bays, Glenfield, Māngere Bridge, Manurewa, Mt Albert, Onehunga, Papatoetoe War Memorial, and Waitākere Central (Henderson). Pilot and 12 month review [SUB] The pilot's success will be evaluated on checkouts by the target audience, turnover rates, and customer feedback on both the collection and related programmes. A formal review will take place 12 months after launch, with potential expansion to more libraries, additional game titles, and broader age groups considered. Each of the 10 pilot branches holds 10 different game titles. Games are reservable across the region.
Scoop
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Game Of Loans: Libraries Lend Out Board Games
Article – Mary Afemata – Local Democracy Reporter Libraries are stepping up their game – literally. This week, 10 Auckland libraries, including Manurewa, Papatoetoe, and Māngere Bridge, launched a free board games lending service for adults. It's part of a push to re-engage young adults and make libraries more social, inclusive, and fun. Chair of the Ōtara Papatoetoe local board, Apulu Reece Autagavaia, says it's an amazing initiative. 'Many of our Pacific communities have traditions of playing board games and the like, including mū or Samoan checkers. 'Card games and dominoes are also played throughout the Pacific. These games are fun and interactive, but also develop skills and strategic thinking.' Cardholders can borrow board games for free. Each person can borrow one game at a time for up to two weeks. Torisse Laulu, founder of Lalaga Card Games, says it's an 'incredible' idea. 'It's so brilliant, honestly,' she says. She believes the move is progressive and could foster deeper, real-world connections in an increasingly digital age. Laulu says screen time has taken over much of daily life, affecting how people relate to one another, and that board games could help reverse that. '[Screen time] plays such a big role in stopping real-life interactions and connections. So if … we can use board games and find more spaces to connect outside of that and in real life, I think it's nice to revert back to what makes us innately human.' she says. The pilot is part of Auckland Council's push to use libraries as community hubs that promote social connection, mental stimulation and affordable fun. Catherine Leonard, Head of Library and Learning Services for Auckland Council, says the motivation behind piloting a board game lending collection comes from the libraries seeking innovative collections. 'National and international data shows a clear trend of libraries diversifying their collections, and communities seeking new kinds of engagement with libraries. After hearing about other library systems offering lending board games collections, we were inspired to investigate a collection of our own,' she says. 'Board games offer Aucklanders a free, sustainable and technology-free entertainment option. A borrowable library collection is fantastic for those living in dwellings with limited storage space for their own board game collection.' Designed for adults, Leonard says that international trends showed strong growth in board game use among 20 to 30-year-olds. 'As this is a demographic that we see less frequently in our libraries, the decision was made to target our pilot collection at this age group, with the collection available for borrowing for any customer aged 18+.' The pilot games were chosen for their popularity, repeat playability, and appeal to a wide range of interests and group sizes. She says most importantly, playing board games brings people together. 'They present us with an opportunity to build relationships with friends and family in real life.' Borrowing a board game Cardholders must be 18 or older to borrow from the board game collection. There are no late fees. Borrowers must ensure all pieces are carefully returned in their original packaging. Games must be returned to the front desk at any Auckland library branch, not through the returns chute, as staff need to check for missing or damaged items. This may incur a fine. Locations to browse games Board games are only available at the following libraries: Botany, Central City, East Coast Bays, Glenfield, Māngere Bridge, Manurewa, Mt Albert, Onehunga, Papatoetoe War Memorial, and Waitākere Central (Henderson). Pilot and 12 month review [SUB] The pilot's success will be evaluated on checkouts by the target audience, turnover rates, and customer feedback on both the collection and related programmes. A formal review will take place 12 months after launch, with potential expansion to more libraries, additional game titles, and broader age groups considered. Each of the 10 pilot branches holds 10 different game titles. Games are reservable across the region.
