Plum undone – the site which greeted the Food Forest team.
Thieves raided a Te Awamutu community forest to steal a tree but, no pun intended, it was no plum job.
They uprooted and probably damaged a young plum tree which – in just three months – would have delivered a bounty of free fruit for the community.
Thanks to the stupidity of the thieves though, it’s possible neither they nor the
community will get any.
The group behind the Te Awamutu Food Forest now have to wait potentially an extra two years for any new tree in the spot where the original stood to produce fruit.
With help from Waipā District Council, the Food Forest group has three plots, at Fawley Place Reserve, Pekapekarau Reserve and Sherwin Park.
The Food Forest concept was first planned about four years ago, with initial trees
planted last March.
Megan Priscott, who runs Red Kitchen HQ and is on the five-person Food Forest
leadership team, told Wintec student Page Hare in the & Co magazine the team wanted people to feel like the community gardens were an extension of their back garden.
“It’s about taking, receiving, giving and bringing the community together”.
Last week though, it seems, the only message which got through to someone was
about taking.
Group members arrived at the Pekapekarau Reserve plot to find the tree –
one of 300 across the three plots – had been crudely uprooted.
Since the theft, Priscott said the community spirit in which the Food Forest was established has well and truly been on display.
Food Forest volunteers have already been offered a replacement plum tree.
The seedling of the forest idea is now supported by a wider leadership team which, as well as Priscott, includes James Bannister, Brenda McIvor, Jina Scott and Joanne Wansbone – as well as about 100 other volunteers who attend regular maintenance sessions and planting days.
“The forest came about as a way to bring all areas of the community together
– while producing fresh produce for the Te Awamutu community,” Priscott said.
“It helps people get back to basics when it comes to their food too – there are huge benefits which come from people doing so.”
“The theft is very disappointing. But the way the community has rallied around us since has been completely stunning.
“We’ve had such incredible buy in since we started and the number of people who have offered to help is incredible.”
Meanwhile, additions to the Food Forest planned for this week included planting
watermelon, while vegetables will also be added in the near future.
Priscott said new Food Forest volunteers are always welcome.
