Last updated July 2026
The Awapuni Community Gardens provide a welcoming community space for growing food in Palmerston North. Located behind the Awapuni Community Centre at 22 Newbury Street in the Awapuni suburb, the gardens operate on an allotment model where families and individuals tend their own plots alongside shared community beds. Over 50 families and groups participate, fostering connections through shared gardening and knowledge exchange. The gardens are administered by the Pascal Street Community Trust and welcome public visitors, though produce should only be taken from beds with permission. Regular Saturday morning working bees offer the main entry point for new participants.
Practical Information
| Location | 22 Newbury Street, Awapuni, Palmerston North (behind the Awapuni Community Centre) |
| Type | Community garden with allotment-style plots and shared beds |
| Participants | Over 50 families and groups |
| Features | Allotment beds, shared community beds, raised beds for accessibility, shared tools |
| Working bees | Most Saturday mornings from 8:30am; new and existing gardeners welcome |
| History | Began September 2011 as Crewe Community Gardens on Crewe Crescent; relocated to current site December 2018 |
| Administration | Pascal Street Community Trust |
| Access | Open to the public; do not pick produce without permission |
About the Gardens
The Awapuni Community Gardens sit on the grounds of Awapuni Park behind the Awapuni Community Centre. They function as a community hub where participants grow fresh produce while sharing skills and resources. The allotment-style setup allows families and individuals to take responsibility for specific beds, supplemented by shared community plots that benefit the wider group.
Originally established in September 2011 as the Crewe Community Gardens on Crewe Crescent, the project relocated after housing development affected the original site. The gardens were re-established at the current Awapuni location in December 2018, where they continue to thrive under the administration of the Pascal Street Community Trust.
More than 50 families and groups now take part. The model emphasises reciprocal involvement, with participants contributing time through working bees and other activities. The gardens remain open to the public, providing an accessible space for growing food and building community connections in Palmerston North.
Saturday Working Bees and Getting Involved
Working bees take place most Saturday mornings from 8:30am and serve as the primary way for new gardeners to join. Attendees can meet existing members, learn about current plantings, and contribute to maintenance tasks. Contact the coordinator to confirm details or enquire about plot availability.
Beyond the scheduled bees, volunteers support gardening, outreach, and education activities. The gardens are open to visitors at other times, though most beds are managed individually. Current contact information and participation details are available through the Environment Network Manawatū directory.
What Visitors Often Say
The Awapuni Community Gardens are praised as a friendly and inclusive space for new and experienced gardeners alike. Participants highlight the welcoming atmosphere at Saturday working bees, the mix of private and shared plots, and the sense of community among the 50-plus families involved.
Practical notes from visitors include the convenient location behind the Awapuni Community Centre, the value of raised beds for easier access, the expectation of contributing volunteer time, and the recommendation to check the Environment Network Manawatū listing for the latest plot and contact details before visiting.
Where to Learn More
Environment Network Manawatū: Awapuni Community Gardens: directory listing with current contact details, participation information, and history.
Palmerston North City Council: Awapuni Park: official page describing the gardens within the park context and access details.
Palmerston North City Council: Community gardens: information on community gardens across the city and how to get involved in new projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Awapuni Community Gardens?
22 Newbury Street, Awapuni, Palmerston North, behind the Awapuni Community Centre in Awapuni Park.
When did the gardens start?
The gardens began in September 2011 as the Crewe Community Gardens on Crewe Crescent. They relocated to the current Awapuni site in December 2018 after housing development at the original location.
How many people are involved?
More than 50 families and groups participate in the gardens.
How can I get involved?
Attend the working bees held most Saturday mornings from 8:30am, or contact the coordinator to enquire about plots and participation.
Are there raised beds?
Yes, raised beds are available alongside in-ground allotment plots and shared community beds.
What do gardeners contribute?
Participants are encouraged to contribute volunteer hours through working bees and other activities as part of the reciprocal community model.
Is the garden open to the public?
Yes, the gardens are open to visitors. Most beds are managed by individuals or families, so do not pick produce unless signs permit it.
Who administers the gardens?
The gardens are administered by the Pascal Street Community Trust.
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