Rotorua residents came together on Sunday, 8 February, for the Hindu Heritage Centre’s first vegetable harvest of 2026, celebrating fresh produce grown in its flourishing community garden. The event highlighted the Centre’s commitment to sustainability, self-sufficiency, and community wellbeing, while promoting healthy eating and community engagement.
Attendees were invited to take part in the harvesting from 10.30 am to 12.00 noon, with all vegetables shared among participants to support the community. The event showcased a wide variety of produce, including eggplant, sweet corn, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, beetroot, silver beet, perennial spinach, chillies, capsicum, apple cucumber, and laukee (bottle gourd), along with herbs such as mint, basil, lemon balm, spring onion, celery, and mint basil, and fruits including passion fruit, watermelon, rhubarb, blueberries, and strawberries.
Dr Guna Magesan, President of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, spoke on the significance of the harvest. “This event is more than just gathering food; it symbolises our connection to the land and to one another. By sharing the garden’s bounty, we demonstrate self-reliance, generosity, and sustainability,” he said.
The community garden was established with support from the Rotorua Lakes Council Community Matching Fund, which funded construction, and the Rotary Club Rotorua North, which provided vegetable seedlings and seeds for the season.
Sandy Cleland, owner of Palmers Rotorua Garden Centre and committee member of Rotary Club Rotorua North, attended the event and planted a seedling. Support from Rotary was initiated following encouragement from Thomas O’Leary of Rotary Club Rotorua North after observing the Centre’s community work. Dr Margriet Theron, President of the Rotorua Multicultural Council, also attended.
The event was open to all and promoted through social media platforms including Facebook and WhatsApp. Attendees also learned about organic gardening practices and the importance of giving back to the community.
A dedicated Taro Leaves Garden has been established as a fundraising initiative to support Hindu Heritage Centre programmes, with funds raised directed toward services for Hindu elders. Shri Vijay Chand, President of Hindu Elders, attended the event to provide guidance and receive donations.
The Centre plans to introduce gardening workshops for early childhood centres, schools, and families to encourage home gardening and volunteering, continuing its efforts to build community connections through sustainable practices.