298 days ago

Ōtākaro Orchard & Community hub

Ōtākaro Orchard from Ōtākaro Orchard

🌱 Greetings, Neighbours of Christchurch! 🌿

We're excited to share with you the incredible journey of Ōtākaro Orchard, a vibrant urban farm and community hub right here in our midst. As part of the Food Resilience Network, Ōtākaro Orchard is not just a green space but a thriving ecosystem dedicated to promoting local food, education, and sustainability.

What is Ōtākaro Orchard?
At its core, Ōtākaro Orchard is a community-led initiative situated at the heart of our city. Our mission is simple yet profound — to cultivate a space that fosters local food resilience, intergenerational learning, and environmental awareness. It all began in 2017 with a successful PledgeMe campaign followed by a second in 2023, and since then, our orchard has grown into a garden with a food forest, herb and vegetable beds, and in the future an open-air amphitheater for gatherings.

The Information Centre and Café: A Hub for Growth
Now, we're on the brink of something exciting! The Ōtākaro Orchard Information Centre and Café are nearing completion, thanks to the incredible support of our community. This space will be a dynamic hub for educational workshops, local businesses, and gatherings. Picture a green roof, solar panels, compost toilets, and a café along Cambridge Terrace.

The Blue-Green Roof: A Global Innovation
We're currently installing a pioneering blue-green roof, integrating solar panels and a diverse array of plants. This groundbreaking feature is not only one of the first in Aotearoa but stands as a global innovation. It's a living testament to our commitment to sustainability and showcases the potential of urban spaces to harmonize with nature.

How Can You Get Involved?
Our journey wouldn't be complete without our amazing neighbors. We invite you to join us in this exciting venture! Whether you're a seasoned gardener, a sustainability enthusiast, or simply curious, there's a place for you at Ōtākaro Orchard. Keep an eye out for events, workshops, and opportunities to get hands-on with the urban farm.

Let's cultivate a greener, more resilient community together! 🌿

Cheers,
The Ōtākaro Orchard Team 🍏🍇🌞

More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Poll: How do you feel about dogs being allowed indoors in cafes?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

For most of us, seeing a friendly doggo while out and about instantly brings a smile to our faces. But how do you feel about cafes welcoming pups inside?

Cast a vote and share your thoughts below.

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How do you feel about dogs being allowed indoors in cafes?
  • 26.8% I love it!
    26.8% Complete
  • 31.3% Only in designated areas
    31.3% Complete
  • 41.9% No, it should be outdoors only.
    41.9% Complete
3148 votes
1 day ago

Poll: Should employees be able to work from home?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

At the post-Cabinet press conference, the National Party asserted they want public sector staff to return to the office. This has opened a conversation about other sectors in New Zealand who have adopted working from home (WFH).

Where possible, do you think employees should be able to work from home? Vote below and share your thoughts in the comments.

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Should employees be able to work from home?
  • 70.4% Yes
    70.4% Complete
  • 26.8% No
    26.8% Complete
  • 2.8% Other - I'll share below
    2.8% Complete
872 votes
1 day ago

Happy Friday everyone, here's a riddle to round out your week 🥳

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

You measure my life in hours, and I serve you by expiring.
I'm quick when I'm thin and slow when I'm fat.
The wind is my enemy.
What am I?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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