The Hindu Heritage Centre in Rotorua launched of its Community Garden and Sustainability Initiative, made possible through generous $12,000 grant from the Rotorua Lakes Council’s Community Matching Fund.
The initiative was officially opened on 22 January 2025 by Her Excellency Ms. Neeta Bhushan, High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, alongside Her Worship Tania Tapsell, Mayor of Rotorua.
Six wheelchair-accessible raised garden beds, skillfully constructed by Duane Changalee, form the heart of the new community garden. These gardens are not only producing fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruits but also fostering environmental awareness, sustainability, and community engagement. Maintained by dedicated volunteers, the garden has quickly become a hub of activity, connection, and learning.

The garden is envisioned as an educational and community space—a place where people of all ages can come together to learn about sustainable gardening, chemical-free practices, and traditional food cultivation methods. It also aims to inspire new volunteers and provide ongoing benefit to local families, schools, and neighbours.

As part of this vision, the Hindu Heritage Centre is delighted to invite the public to a series of hands-on Gardening and Sustainable Harvesting Workshops. These workshops are open to all ages and experience levels and will focus on reconnecting people with the land, sharing gardening knowledge, and nurturing environmental stewardship, especially among tamariki (children).

The first workshop will be led by Raewyn, who has had an online plant business for 20 years. Raewyn is a passionate gardener with a practical approach to sustainable home planting.

Workshop Highlights:
•Growing vegetables and herbs suited to the local climate
•Composting and chemical-free gardening techniques
•Sustainable harvesting methods
•Exploring the cultural and ecological value of traditional planting practices

“These workshops are not just about gardening – they’re about growing community,” said Dr. Guna Magesan, President of Hindu Council of New Zealand, and a retired senior soil and environmental scientist. “We’re creating a space where people can learn, share, and connect—with the earth and with each other.”

Event Details:
•Dates: Wednesday 28 May 2025 and Friday 30 May 2025.
•Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
•Location: Hindu Heritage Centre Community Garden, 225 Malfroy Road, Rotorua
•Cost: Free
•Bookings & Info: Email hhc.rotorua@gmail.com, call 021 034 5621, or visit Facebook: Hindu Heritage Centre Rotorua
Come along, get your hands dirty, grow something beautiful, and be part of a greener, healthier future for Rotorua!
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
Prof Guna Magesan
President, Hindu Council of New Zealand
021 0345621; hindu.nz@gmail.com