Community Gardens
Community Gardens are the hidden gems of our city. From lush pocket gardens to rambling urban oases, they’re all are great places to connect with others and learn about growing local kai.
Community gardens in Wellington
Seeds to Feeds
Seeds to Feeds supports locals to create connections through local food experiences – growing, foraging, preserving, learning, preparing and sharing. Their Harvest Celebration festival is a delicious programme of community-based meals, where local food is the star of the show.
Visit the Seeds to Feeds website
Kaicycle Urban Farm
Kaicycle Urban Farm grow kai for community donation and sale. They have regular volunteer sessions, koha workshops, and events, including Community Open Days.
Visit the Kaicycle website
Crop Swap Wellington
Crop Swap Wellington brings together backyard gardeners, home bakers and food foragers each month to swap and share an abundance of quality local food.
Visit the Crop Swap website
Kākano Seed Libraries
Kākano Seed Libraries are a Wellington City Libraries initiative, encouraging beginners into backyard growing by providing small quantities of free seeds. Gardeners are invited to donate harvested or excess seeds to the seed library.
Seed Library - WCL
Garden to Table
Garden to Table empower tamariki in schools to grow, harvest, prepare and share fresh, seasonal and affordable kai. Find out about volunteering at the Garden to Table website or contact olivia@gardentotable.org.nz
Community Centres
Many of the city’s Community Centres host weekly community meals and pātaka kai or community pantries.
List of community centres
Kaibosh
Kaibosh is a food rescue charity linking the food industry with community groups to get quality surplus food to those who need it. Find out about volunteer vacancies on the Kaibosh website.
The Free Store
The Free Store redistributes surplus food from the city’s eateries to those who need it. Everyone is welcome. Sign up to volunteer on The Free Store website.
Everybody Eats
Everybody Eats is a pay-as-you-feel community dining experience, preventing food waste and building community connections. Delicious dinners are prepared by chefs and volunteers from quality surplus food.
Visit the Everybody Eats website
Ekta
Ekta volunteers come from a diverse range of faiths, cultures, and nationalities. They distribute groceries and hot meals throughout the week, and organise events to build knowledge, increase skills, and celebrate heritage and culture.
Visit the Ekta website
Community Fruit Wellington
Community Fruit Wellington rescue excess backyard fruit, redistributing it through Kaibosh Food Rescue and local food banks. Share excess fruit, or volunteer to pick fruit and make preserves. See the Community Fruit Wellington Facebook page or email wellypickfruit@gmail.com.