Kia ora tātou,

We have 2 weeks to go until the much anticipated Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Trail! Have you booked an event and planned your itinerary?

Be sure to check out Bena from Greenbridge’s spring garden tips for a healthy and thriving maara! The team at Greenbridge will be hosting several workshops that are all content rich and relevant to the current possibilities for unique landscapes. Be sure to catch one of their talks for only a $2 entry.

If you’re keen to get involved, we always need volunteers, so please get in touch. We’d love to get to know you and your community interests.

Planning on grabbing lunch-to-go to fuel your Sustainable Backyards adventure? Don’t forget to BYO container/cutlery for a zero-waste picnic. The Bring It! New Plymouth Campaign has teamed up with cafes around town to reward people who BYO containers/cutlery. Enter the competition to be in to win a beautiful Pottery for the Planet ceramic travel bowl.

Looking forward to seeing you all on the trail!

Ngā mihi,

The Sustainable Taranaki tīma

Are You Ready for the Trail?

There is something for everyone with 100 workshops, talks, and tours by hosts eager to invite you into their backyards all around the region. Be sure to check out the four main events which are of high value and aimed at educating and empowering participants to take action in their own backyard. There are limited spaces available so book asap!

We recommend planning ahead for your trip, carpooling, and taking active or public transport where possible. Check out the interactive map to make the most of your journey.

Take Note of these Tips

Frankley Farm Collective, Heart & Soil, Perth’maculture, Wellies n Worms, Eco-Grans Garden - limited parking on street only, so we encourage ride sharing, walking, public transport or take your pahikara (bike).

The Green Shed - visit Peihana Farm first, then head back and visit the Green Shed. Please be careful at this turn off.

Mountain Road Estate & The Little Insect Farm - are on country roads so please be careful around the blind corners.

Kahu Glen Farm - Be sure to take Paraite Rd not Arthur Rd to this location.

Tikorangi Orchard Garden - Bertrand Bridge is a one lane, narrow bridge - an adventurous way to get to Tikorangi Orchard Garden.

Hit the Trail Podcast

Hit the Trail is a seasonal community radio show dedicated to showcasing the annual Taranaki Arts Trail, Taranaki Garden Festival, and Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Trail, which in 2022 take place from Friday 28 October to Sunday 6 November.

In the lead-up to these events, Mikaela Nyman interviews artists, gardeners, and community members of all ages about their passion, their inspiration, and the hard work that goes into making it a joyful and interesting experience for visitors. Listen to artists and gardeners talk about their art and the practical and inventive solutions.

Tune in every Tuesday from 9 am and 9 pm to Access Radio 104.4 FM Taranaki-wide to hear all about what's going on!

Take our Survey to Win!

And vote for the most inspiring backyard

Take this year’s Trail Survey after visiting a backyard or two (or 10) to be in to win any one of our homegrown or local prizes. Be sure to vote for your favourite Backyard! The very first Community Choice Award will be presented to the backyard host with the most votes. If you’re not already, be sure to sign up for our mailing list to receive the survey link.

Warm wishes on your journey around the region! Be sure to visit the backyards trail website for updates and please look out for the “Two Weeks to Go” email with all of the Trail highlights and helpful hints to help you along on your adventure.

Te Ara Taiao at Ōmata School

As part of the Te Ara Taiao program, Ōmata School students learned the traditional customs (tikanga) and preparations (kawa) of a kūmara seed bed (Tapapa).

"Our day started with a short quiz on some of the Kōrero Tuku iho I shared at Puanga this year about our Atua and the separation of Rangi and Papa. We also talked about how Rongo and Haumietiketike fit into the narration and who they are." - Tāne Manukonga

Visit Ōmata School on this year's Sustainable Backyards Trail and learn directly from the students who will share the names of the kumara and a karakia that connects our Taiao to the growing season.

Greenbridge’s Regenerative Garden Tips for Spring

Bena from Greenbridge has shared some hot tips on how to ensure you have a pumping and healthy veggie garden. Happy gardening!

During the Sustainable Backyards Trail be sure to head along to one of their inspiring talks, such as the ‘Food Forests and Edible Garden’ talk held on 28th Oct 10 am, 30th Oct, 4th Nov 4 pm, and 6th Nov 2 pm.

Are you passionate about sustainability and supporting our growing community? Follow us on Facebook, join our Sustainable Taranaki Community Facebook Group, and get involved in local events and educational opportunities!.