Food Garden Ora Ora - Vision and Operation Plan

Vision:

Our vision has been to create a highly productive and sustainable garden in the Far North (Te Tai Tokerau) at 36 degrees latitude, showcasing the successful integration of organic practices, renewable energy, water conservation, waste management, cultural preservation, and holistic well-being. We aim to foster a thriving ecosystem that supports self-sufficiency, community engagement, environmental stewardship, and personal growth. By embracing traditional wisdom and innovative approaches, we aim to provide a bit of inspiration, promoting regenerative living and ecological balance.

Plan:

1. Crop Selection and Layout:

Utilize the 250 square meters of raised beds to grow a diverse range of vegetables, herbs, and flowers suited to the subtropical climate and clay soil conditions.

Allocate dedicated areas for banana fields and rotational ones for the cultivation of staple crops such as kumara, and Maori potatoes, prioritizing their growth and harvesting according to the biodynamic calendar and Maramataka. Incorporate companion planting and polyculture techniques to maximize productivity, biodiversity, and natural pest control. Promote heirloom and indigenous varieties to preserve cultural heritage and promote edible seed sovereignty.

2. Fruit Trees and Vines:

Carefully maintain the existing apple, lemon, orange, plum, apricot, fig, peach, macadamia, persimmon, olive trees, and grapevines to ensure healthy growth and abundant fruit production. Employ biodynamic and organic practices for tree care, including pruning, compost application, and natural pest and disease management.

Promote the use of beneficial insects, birds, and pollinators to enhance orchard health and fruit quality.

3. Livestock Management:

Keep a flock of 6 chickens to provide a steady supply of fresh eggs, and nutrient-rich

manure for composting, and for entertainment of the adjoining Play Centre toddlers.

 Designed a well-structured chicken coop that ensures the birds welfare, allowing for easy waste management and compost production.

4. Water Management:

 Maintain a rainwater harvesting system capable of collecting and filtering 1 million liters per year to meet the needs of 10 people and the garden irrigation. Optimize water usage through subsoil irrigation, mulching, and water-efficient techniques, taking into account the region irrational annual rainfall. Utilize an electrocoagulation complete black and grey wastewater treatment plant to safely process and recycle wastewater for food-safe irrigation and fertilization.

5. Renewable Energy:

Installed 63 solar panels to generate clean and renewable electricity, providing power for the garden, co-housing setup, on-site facilities, and EV. Utilize 11 batteries for efficient energy storage, ensuring a reliable power supply during periods without solar generation (nights). Promote electric vehicles by providing EV charging infrastructure, encouraging sustainable transportation options.

6. Co-Housing Setup:

Accommodate 10 people in a co-housing setup that fosters a sense of community,

collaboration, and shared responsibility.Utilize well placed communal car park and facilities for gatherings, some shared meals, educational workshops, and get togethers.

 Provide a professional space for two members of our co-housing community to operate

wellness businesses, providing personal training, nutrition and lifestyle coaching,

aromatherapy, massage, holistic facials and workshops.

7. Waste Management and Community Engagement:

 Implement a comprehensive composting system to efficiently process organic waste,

generating nutrient-rich compost for soil enhancement. Promote waste recycling by setting up dedicated areas for segregation and proper disposal

of non-organic materials. Established good food drying and storage facilities to preserve surplus harvests and minimize food waste. Act as a local hub for environmental activism and education by hosting the Green Party branch office, Vision Kerikeri, and Carbon Neutral Trust headquarters, fostering collaboration and advocacy for sustainable practices.

By embodying our vision and implementing this plan, we aim to create a model productive garden that demonstrates the integration of regenerative practices, cultural respect, community empowerment, an holistic well-being. We envision a vibrant and resilient ecosystem that hope to inspires individuals, organizations, and the wider community to embrace sustainable living and work together towards a healthy and harmonious future.