Fruit and nut trees planned for Turangi

30 June 2015

A partnership between Taupo District Council and the Turangi community means residents will soon be able to access fruit and nuts straight from the tree with plans for planting fruit and nut trees underway.

Taupo District Council was approached by members of the Turangi community hoping to use council reserves to plant fruit trees. The council agreed and is also funding the 66 fruit and nut trees that will be planted by volunteers in 16 council reserves and schools from this weekend. It is the first stage of the project and will include persimmons, feijoas, apples, pears, plums, hazelnuts and walnuts.

The project is being supported by Ngati Turangitukua and coordinated by Turangi resident Kerry Borkin. The first trees will be planted on Saturday, July 4 at Te Kapua Park. The day will begin with a blessing by Ngati Turangitukua at 2pm and conclude with a light afternoon tea at the nearby Senior Citizens' Hall. Local permaculture and sustainability advocate from Awhi Farm Lisa Isherwood will be providing free pizza from her mobile pizza oven after the planting.

Ms Borkin said she wanted to find a way to help the community make the most out of its reserves and take pride in them, while also providing free fresh fruit. Many of the areas marked for the planting of fruit trees were on routes used by children. We thought that would be a really good thing - kids can have an apple on the way to school, she said.

Volunteers are helping with the day's events and Dempsey's Bobcat Services is volunteering its time and machinery to help with the project. Ms Borkin hoped to have plenty of volunteers turn out with their spades to help out. We would love to see as many people as possible come and support the day and assist with planting, she said. If this first stage is well supported, we really hope to source additional funding to see more trees planted around the town for our whole community to enjoy.

Council district parks and recreation manager John Ridd said the fruit trees were selected for their ability to grow in Turangi's climate as well as requiring minimal maintenance and disease control. The trees will produce fruit that is easily recognisable that is easy to eat. We are thrilled to be part of a project that will help the Turangi community access fresh, healthy food, Mr Ridd said.

It is expected it will take about two to three years for the trees to produce fruit.

Anyone interested in volunteering with tree planting can turn up at the Senior Citizens' Hall at 2pm on July 4.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz