Transition Town Point Chevalier

Kia ora koutou,

as 2025 draws to a close, we’ve been taking a moment to stand still among the beds, the trees, and the compost piles, and reflect on what has been an extraordinary year of growth — not just in the soil, but in our people, our kaupapa, and our connections.

This year we expanded our garden and our imagination through the kūmara project, growing an incredible 16 varieties and deepening our understanding of this treasured taonga. We were also humbled to receive funding support from Foundation North and the Starfish Foundation, which helped strengthen our mahi and set us up for the seasons ahead. Huge thanks to with matua Rob Small for leading this kaupapa and generously sharing his mātauranga and to Luke for writing an outstanding funding application.

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Kia ora koutou,

A gentle heads up as we head into the festive season. This week is our final week of open volunteer sessions for the year, before we close over summer and return in mid-January.

Tuesday and Thursday sessions are both running as usual this week, and we would really love to see you there. It feels like a good moment to slow down, hang out, share a few laughs, and enjoy each other’s company before our focus turns to holidays, rest, and recharging.

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Kia ora koutou,

Next week is our final week of volunteer sessions for the year, so we are really looking forward to seeing you in the māra and catching up before everyone drifts into holiday mode.

If you have not been along for a little while, now is a beautiful time to visit. The summer crops are settling in, the kūmara are stretching into their new beds, and the māra has that warm, full feeling that comes right before Christmas.

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Kia ora koutou,

Due to unforeseen circumstances  the Growing Point team are not able to run the Thursday session this week. We will be back on deck next week.  Tuesday session is going ahead and Di will be hosting it.  If you’re free Weds 5.30- 8 you could support the Sanctuary Mahi Whenua by going to Ellens workshop, or donate the givealittle page below.

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Kia ora koutou,

We have checked the forecast and we’re excited to be going ahead with our party tomorrow 11am-2pm! We’re celebrating 10 years of Dignan Street Community Garden and acknowledging those who have contributed to making it happen. We’d love you to join us!

WHAT’S HAPPENING (timings approximate)

11-2 Screenprinting is a go, with a range of new designs, check out a few of them below!  
12- 12.20 Community circle ceremony with karakia and a couple of speeches.
12.20 Update on our kūmara project with matua Rob Small.
12.30 PIZZA

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Kia ora koutou,

What a magical weekend in the māra. Our kūmara beds are now filled with life, connection, and the wairua of everyone who came to plant.

We look forward to seeing you in a week’s time for our 10 year annoversary party! Screenprinting is a go, with a range of new designs this time, so don’t forget to bring an old shirt or piece of clothing to upcyle and rock some DSCG merch this Summer.

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Kia ora koutou,

Another big week in the māra and the garden is humming. The teepees are up, beans are climbing, tomatoes are planted, and the beds are getting ready for the summer rush. There is always a sigh of relief when the bulk of the summer crops are finally in the ground, the hard graft of kōanga giving way to the steady rhythm of watering, tending, and harvests to come.

Read on for a timely reminder about watering and mulch, and a call to action in support of our friends at Sanctuary Mahi Whenua gardens.

Also, see you next Sunday (23rd November) for our Kūmara planting day!

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Kia ora koutou,

Last week we had not one, not two — but three cakes to celebrate Ally’s birthday, one of our treasured founding members of the garden! A big ngā mihi to Ally and Jane for the beautiful cakes and for sharing such sweetness with us all.

In our recent survey, it came as no surprise that the number one reason our members come to the garden is for the friendship and community. Each week, it’s clear to see the love, care, and laughter that make this space so special.

Here’s to many more shared moments — and perhaps a few more slices of cake! 🍰🌿

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Kia ora koutou,

We begin this email with very sad news. Our dear friend Ian Duncan, one of the original members of Dignan Street Community Garden, passed away suddenly on October 23rd after a fall at home. Ian was there from the very beginning — moving the first barrow-loads of mulch, building our tool shed, introducing us to his latest garden gadgets, and always the first up to dance at our live music events. He’ll be fondly remembered for his long stories, quick humour, and his steadfast love of this place.

His legacy will live on in the garden, especially in the relocated mandarin tree that he planted from his parents’ home. Ian’s funeral will be held Monday 11 November, 12 noon at Purewa Cemetery.
Funeral details here. Moe mai rā, Ian — thank you for everything you gave.

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