The Awapuni Community Gardens are at 22 Newbury Street, Awapuni, on the grounds of the Awapuni Community Centre. The gardens are run as a community hub for growing food, with allotment-style plots that individuals and (more typically) families take ‘ownership’ of to grow food for themselves, alongside shared community beds and raised beds for easier access.
More than 50 families and groups participate in the gardens. Weekly Saturday morning working bees from 8:30am are the regular community event where new and existing gardeners can join in, meet others and contribute volunteer hours. Each gardener is encouraged to contribute through workdays as part of the garden’s reciprocal model.
Practical Information
| Location | 22 Newbury Street, Awapuni, Palmerston North (behind the Awapuni Community Centre) |
| Type | Community garden – allotment plots plus shared beds |
| Community | Over 50 families and groups participating |
| Beds | Allotment beds (individual / family ownership), shared community beds, raised beds for easier access, shared tools |
| Working bees | Saturday mornings from 8:30am – new and existing gardeners welcome |
| History | Originally Crewe Community Gardens (September 2011, Crewe Crescent); relocated to Awapuni in December 2018 after housing development at the original site |
| Cost | Volunteer participation and a small fee for plot ownership; check the community group for current rates |
About the Gardens
The Awapuni Community Gardens sit behind the Awapuni Community Centre at 22 Newbury Street. The gardens run as a community-grown food hub for the surrounding suburb and the wider city. Plots are allotment-style: individuals or (more typically) families take ‘ownership’ of a bed to grow food for themselves, alongside shared community beds that produce for collective use.
The gardens were originally set up as Crewe Community Gardens in September 2011 on a site in Crewe Crescent. When housing development required relocation, the gardens were re-established at the current Awapuni site in December 2018, behind the Awapuni Community Centre.
Over 50 families and groups now participate in the gardens. The structure rewards regular involvement: each gardener is encouraged to contribute volunteer hours and participate in scheduled workdays as part of the reciprocal model of the gardens.
Saturday Working Bees and Getting Involved
The regular community event is the Saturday morning working bee from 8:30am. Anyone interested in joining the gardens or simply contributing time can come along: it is the standard entry point for new gardeners, the chance to meet existing members, learn what is growing in the shared beds, and pitch in on jobs that need doing.
Beyond Saturday working bees, the gardens take volunteers across gardening, community outreach, education and other roles. For current plot availability and the latest contact details, the Environment Network Manawatu directory listing and the Citizens Advice Bureau community directory are the up-to-date references.
What Visitors Often Say
The Awapuni Community Gardens are consistently described as one of the most-welcoming community spaces in Palmerston North for new gardeners, with the Saturday working bee format, the 50+ family community, and the mix of allotment and shared bed models all drawing positive specific mentions. Stuff covered the gardens as a community of ‘generous hearts’ and the NZ Herald featured the site as a heart of green Palmerston North.
Practical observations: Saturday 8:30am working bee is the standard entry point; behind the Awapuni Community Centre at 22 Newbury Street; raised beds make participation easier for those needing back-friendly gardening; you are expected to contribute time as well as use a plot; bring gardening clothes and gloves; check the Environment Network Manawatu listing for current plot availability.
Where to Learn More
Environment Network Manawatu: Awapuni Community Gardens: directory listing with current contact and participation information.
Citizens Advice Bureau: Awapuni Community Gardens: official CAB directory listing with contact details and full description.
PNCC: Community gardens: Palmerston North City Council page listing the city’s community gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Awapuni Community Gardens?
22 Newbury Street, Awapuni, Palmerston North – behind the Awapuni Community Centre.
When did the gardens start?
The original Crewe Community Gardens started in September 2011 on a site in Crewe Crescent. Following housing development at that site, the gardens relocated to the current Awapuni Community Centre site in December 2018.
How many people are involved?
More than 50 families and groups participate in the gardens.
How can I get involved?
Come along to the Saturday morning working bee from 8:30am – it is the standard entry point for new gardeners.
Are there raised beds?
Yes. Raised beds are available for easier access, alongside in-ground allotment plots and shared community beds.
What do gardeners contribute?
Each gardener is encouraged to contribute volunteer hours and participate in scheduled workdays as part of the reciprocal model of the gardens.
How do I get current contact information?
The Environment Network Manawatu directory listing and the Citizens Advice Bureau community directory are the most up-to-date references for current contacts and plot availability.
For more community spaces in the city, see the parks and reserves hub or the historical and cultural sites hub.