31/07/2025
Why is this not standard practice everywhere?
Across cities like Auckland, Nelson, and Waiheke Island, fruit trees are intentionally planted in public spaces, including sidewalks, parks, and berms, so anyone can pick fresh produce for free. According to OurAuckland, these trees include apples, plums, feijoas, figs, and even bananas, all grown with support from local councils and community trusts.
The movement is part of a broader push for urban foraging, which encourages residents to gather food from publicly accessible trees and gardens. According to Urban Foraging NZ, there’s even an interactive map that lets people locate fruit and nut trees in their neighborhoods, add new ones, and share seasonal updates. Waiheke Island alone planted nearly 1,000 fruit trees through the “Love Our Fruit Trees” project, with locals acting as “tree guardians” to care for them. This initiative not only promotes food resilience and sustainability, but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility.
