Farmers and Residents Find Common Ground: A Story of Community, Food Security, and Environmental Stewardship

Introduction: A Community’s Collective Endeavor

On a late summer afternoon, a diverse group of residents from Raglan (Whāingaroa) gather on a verdant paddock to celebrate the fruits of their labor. Having come straight from work shifts and school pickups, these community members are eager to witness the results of their collective efforts. They are here to harvest their first batch of kūmara, or sweet potato, from a project that has united them over the past nine months.

This initiative, aimed at enhancing local food security, brings together people of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. Their shared goal is not only to grow food but to foster a sense of community and resilience. As they gently loosen the soil, the excitement builds. One member brushes away the dirt to reveal a nest of thick red tubers, and the group erupts in cheers. There is enough kūmara for everyone to take home, marking a significant milestone in their journey.

Building Food Security Through Collective Effort

Harvesting and Economic Impact

The group’s work does not end with the harvest. They carefully pack the remaining kūmara into cardboard boxes destined for the local growers market. This market serves as a crucial outlet for their produce, with sales generating funds to purchase seeds for the next growing season. This economic model not only supports local food security but also reinforces the community’s commitment to sustainability and self-reliance.

New Zealand, a country renowned for its agricultural industry, dedicates approximately 40% of its land to farming. Despite its capacity to feed 40 million people—eight times its population of just 5 million—food insecurity remains a pressing issue, particularly among Māori and Pasifika families. In Raglan, the Whāingaroa Environment Centre (WEC) is actively addressing these challenges through grassroots efforts aimed at improving local food security.

Understanding Food Sovereignty

Tania Ashman, Food Security Coordinator for WEC, emphasizes that the initiative goes beyond mere food security; it’s about achieving food sovereignty. Food sovereignty involves examining who controls food systems and making decisions about what is grown, how it is produced, and who has access to it. In New Zealand, where 90% of food produced is exported, local needs often take a backseat to international markets.

According to Tania, achieving food sovereignty in New Zealand is closely linked to Māori sovereignty. This concept includes granting Māori communities the autonomy to grow, harvest, and distribute food according to their traditional knowledge and values. Tania’s vision reflects a broader push towards empowering communities to reclaim control over their food systems.

Overcoming Barriers to Local Food Growing

Expanding the Project Through Community Support

Initially, the project faced challenges related to land access. However, the involvement of resident Meryn Wakelin, who raises livestock, proved transformative. Meryn offered a section of her property for the initiative, allowing it to expand from a few backyard gardens to a larger paddock located just outside town.

The results have been remarkable. The plot has yielded successful harvests of kūmara and pumpkin, benefiting 14 families so far. This success has also inspired another local landowner to contribute a flock of ewes, providing an opportunity to explore ethical and community-based livestock management.

Meryn notes that a “mindset change” is necessary to encourage more landowners to participate in community projects. “People need to see it in action,” she says. “When everyone contributes—whether it’s time, land, or knowledge—the entire community benefits.”

The Role of Local Knowledge and Collaboration

Collaboration and local knowledge have been pivotal to the project’s success. By working together, community members have managed to overcome initial barriers and achieve significant milestones. The shared experience has fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and collective purpose, reinforcing the value of community involvement.

Proven Success in Environmental Stewardship

Transforming Local Waterways

Raglan’s success extends beyond food security to environmental stewardship. Over the past three decades, local farmers have voluntarily planted rows of native cabbage trees, flax, and manuka on their land. This initiative, aimed at trapping and naturally processing pollutants, has significantly improved the water quality in Raglan’s harbour.

The transformation began with Fred Lichtwark and Fiona Edwards, who, in 1995, mobilized a small group of concerned residents to address the harbour’s dire condition. At that time, the harbour was among the most polluted in the country, with low fish stocks and frequent incidents of dead animals washing ashore. Their efforts led to the establishment of Whāingaroa Harbour Care and a native plant nursery that provided affordable planting services to farmers.

Fred and Fiona’s approach included setting up a demonstration site on council-managed farmland. The site reported a 40% increase in productivity, a significant drop in stock losses, and improved pasture growth rates. This success helped to overcome initial skepticism among local farmers, leading to broader participation.

Addressing Agricultural Runoff

Agricultural runoff remains a significant threat to New Zealand’s water quality. With 95% of rivers in grazing areas exceeding safe nutrient levels, the need for effective mitigation strategies is urgent. Recent budget cuts to freshwater programs by the new government underscore the importance of finding solutions to this pressing issue.

Fred and Fiona’s project has been widely recognized as a model for effective riparian and catchment management. However, despite its success, the project faced challenges, including changes in funding and management. Fred advocates for greater investment in community-led initiatives, highlighting the pride and effectiveness of local stewardship.

Preserving Local Knowledge and Engaging Youth

The Importance of Local Expertise

Both Fred and Tania emphasize the role of local knowledge in their projects. For Fred, using locally-sourced seeds has improved planting success rates and maintained local genetic diversity. This approach has also helped to reduce the spread of disease and enhance the overall health of the planting.

Young people have played a crucial role in these projects, gaining valuable experience in conservation and water protection through volunteering. The projects have even received recognition from local authorities for their positive impact on youth crime reduction.

Incorporating Traditional Practices

Tania reflects on the significance of incorporating Māori cultivation practices into the food security project. Traditional methods, such as planting according to the lunar calendar (Maramataka) and curing kūmara, have enriched the initiative and strengthened community ties. This integration of traditional knowledge highlights the importance of respecting and preserving cultural practices while addressing contemporary challenges.

Looking Forward: The Future of Local Initiatives

Expanding Impact and Facing Challenges

The successes of these community projects offer a glimpse into the potential for local action in addressing food security and environmental challenges. They demonstrate the benefits of investing in and supporting local solutions, empowering communities to protect and sustainably use their environments.

Despite these successes, challenges remain, including recent funding cuts and the need for broader community engagement. Both projects illustrate the power of collective effort and the importance of community-driven initiatives in creating lasting change.

As Meryn puts it, “There’s a dynamic, wonderful feeling that comes with doing hard things together.” The achievements of these projects offer hope and inspiration for future community-led efforts, underscoring the value of collaboration and local involvement in fostering sustainable and resilient communities.

The ongoing commitment of farmers, residents, and local organizations reflects a shared vision of a healthier, more self-sufficient future. As these initiatives continue to evolve, they will undoubtedly inspire other communities to take similar steps towards achieving food security and environmental stewardship.