Kaiapoi Food Forest - kai is in our name

11/08/2026

We've had Aroundtuit Handyman Services undertaking some painting and building work at the Food Forest. Really stoked with the work they have done so far!! Have a look at some pics

24/07/2026

Get along and follow Food Secure North Canterbury and learn how to cook a Vegetable Frittata with Jo Seagar

Basic Vegetable Frittata2 medium potatoes, peeled & diced into pea...

08/06/2026

Kaiapoi Food Forest AGM Thursday June 18th 630pm at the Kaiapoi Club upstairs in Meeting room 3

27/05/2026

Get along and have a listen

You're invited! 🌱 Power of Community is coming to North Canterbury this June - two free evening forums exploring food security, local food systems, and the connections that hold our communities together.

Hear from inspiring speakers including Angela Clifford from Eat New Zealand, and join an open conversation about who grows our food, who shares it, and how we strengthen what we already have.

📅 Wed 24 June | 4:30–6:30pm | Pines Beach Hall, Kaiapoi
📅 Thu 25 June | 4:30–6:30pm | Amberley

Free entry, light refreshments included.

RSVP through event link here:

https://forms.gle/58aoq1LrkFM9xHri8

Satisfy Food Rescue
Hope Community Trust
Community Wellbeing North Canterbury Trust
Oxford Community Trust
Kaiapoi Food Forest - kai is in our name
Amberley Community Garden
Waimakariri Community Team
Hurunui District Council

25/04/2026

Today we had a group from the University of Canterbury Enrichment Program come out to the Food Forest. They are mostly 1st and 2nd year students who are on scholarships at UC. These guys crushed it digging, wheelbarrowing and w**ding. The mulch piles are nearly all gone and the w**d pile has doubled in size. Such a big impact in a short amount of time. Rupert and Izzy loved your pats and welcome you back anytime for more pats and hard labour….Thanks so much for you time.

22/04/2026

The Kaiapoi Food Forest is home to an example of a very underrated tree, a Medlar - mespilus germanica. It is a member of the Rosacene family along with strawberries and raspberries.

Its strangely shaped, hard fruit cannot be eaten direct from tree. It must be picked (ideally after the first frost) and left to sit until gets soft, brown and wrinkly. A process called bletting. The inside can then be eaten with a spoon. The texture has been described as dates with a hint of cinnamon or like toffee apples.

Its an ancient tree, the fruit eaten in Ancient Roman and in orchards from Medieval times.

In modern gardens it is often grown as an ornament tree because of the distinctive shape of its fruit.

Orgins: Turkey/Iran

Uses include: Fresh, fruit butter, tarts, cheese

Benefits: It is rich in antioxidants (Iron, Calcium, magnesium and potassium) and vitamins particularly Vitamin C.

Currently the only fruit left are on the top most branches. Hopefully a second tree will be planted so more can enjoy this ancient, unique fruit.

07/04/2026

What is that plant with the big leaves everywhere?

Its Comfrey,

* Post update - Comfrey isn’t a Nitrogen fixer read the comments below for more info

Comfrey grows everywhere so you do need to keep it contained if you only have a small garden. In the food forest we let it grow to cover the ground and help control w**ds we don't want. It dies down in the winter, and we can always knock it back if we want to plant.

Comfrey can be put in a container with water to create a fertiliser, but it stinks to high heaven.

Remember like Comfrey not everything in the food forest is edible but may have other uses but always make sure you do your own research.

30/03/2026

Thank you to the person who left Quince in our pantry; Natalie Leary says "You can make jam, jellys and boil with some sugar to eat as a desert. Unfortunately not many people know what to do with it as it is not a popular fruit. You could try and eat it but very bitter. Kia Ora."