“Growing Together: The Journey of Tipu Te Uru”

Tipu Te Uru is one of several action‑focused networks working to build local food sovereignty and resilience, bringing together people interested in regenerative practices, sharing skills, and creating long‑term, locally driven change. The network began with a baseline survey of potential members in 2024 to shape how the group might develop, followed by an inaugural hui in February 2025 focused on sharing members’ aspirations for the network. Since then, four hui have been held, each progressing conversations toward shaping the network’s purpose and values and collective direction.

Tipu Te Uru – Grow West — a bilingual name chosen by the network to reflect the kaupapa of growing community, knowledge, and resilience through healthy soil and local food systems.

Along the way, members learnt from one another and from visiting experts with hands‑on experience such as tree cloning, making biochar and designing a food forest. Each hui was held at a different local growing space for network members to see different practices in action and exchange practical knowledge.

At their December recent hui, the group reflected on the journey so far and set the direction for 2026, grounding their next steps in shared learning and a strengthened collective vision. Activities being explored include community wānanga, working bees, shared resource directories, workshops on building soil health to grow nutrient-dense kai, shared measures of impact, and advocacy.

Together, Tipu Te Uru members are building a network that nurtures soil and kai, invests in local knowledge and connection, and supports West Auckland communities to grow food sustainably for generations to come.