Cultivating hope.
In the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle's devastating impact on Hawke's Bay in February 2023, hope emerged in the form of the "Bean Team" and their inspiring efforts. This community-driven initiative has taken root, aiming to assist Hawke's Bay residents in recovering from the cyclone's aftermath. Through planting bucket gardens, sowing seeds, and nurturing seedlings, the Magic Beans group not only restored gardens but also connected with their wider community with friendship and empathy.
By Anneliese Hough (Co-Founder of Magic Beans Community Ltd)
One of the Magic Beans Garden Recovery working bees in action.
Facing Cyclone Gabrielle's Impact:
February 14, 2023, remains etched in Hawke's Bay's history as a sombre day. Cyclone Gabrielle swept through, leaving behind destruction, isolation, and vulnerability. The storm's fury left over 70,000 residents without essential services, turning Napier and many surrounding communities into isolated islands of struggle. Power outages, communication breakdowns, and flood-inundated areas left the community grappling with displacement and devastation. The road to recovery would be a long one.
The Birth of the Magic Beans Group:
In 2016, the Magic Beans Hawke's Bay Facebook group was established as a platform for locals to share excess homegrown produce and gardening supplies. With a membership of over 5,000, the group quickly evolved into a hub of activity. This vibrant community spirit prompted Sarah Grant and I to co-found 'Magic Beans Community Ltd’ and create the Magic Beans app, with the aim of extending the reach of Magic Beans across New Zealand and beyond.
A Call to Action:
Mere days after the cyclone, the group's members expressed their desire to contribute to recovery efforts. Collectively, we recognized that our expertise lay in gardening, specifically food gardening, which led to the inception of the Magic Beans Garden Recovery program. Amid feelings of helplessness, channeling our energy into growing food emerged as a tangible way to make a difference. It was healing for both us and the recipients of the veggie seedlings and portable bucket gardens.
The Blossoming Efforts of the Bean Team:
For the past five months, the Bean Team has tirelessly sown seeds, nurtured seedlings, and cultivated bucket veggie gardens. These gardens have been distributed far and wide throughout Hawke's Bay, symbolising both renewal and the collective strength of a community. We estimate that Magic Beans has sent out well over 6000 veggie seedlings to the community so far!
Unity in Support:
The Bean Team's endeavours have garnered overwhelming support from the community. Donations of seeds, seedling trays, and gardening supplies have poured in from individuals and businesses across New Zealand. Yates' generous contribution of two pallets of seed raising mix and numerous packs of veggie seeds, along with the assistance of local businesses like Kahikatea Farm (a local permaculture nursery), BioRich (local landscape supplies company who were heavily affected themselves yet who donate their wonderful SuperSoil for us to plant into), and 'Sustainable Ewe', amongst many others, have amplified our mission.
A Testimony of Resilience:
Volunteers like Stacey, who lost her garden to the floods, have found healing and hope in planting new life to recover her own garden and help others who were badly affected. Poppa has graciously taken on the role of hosting our Garden Recovery HQ, and his enthusiasm for the task is infectious. Despite being 78 years old and less mobile these days, Poppa's spirits have been lifted by the daily influx of visitors. These visitors, ranging from those coming to collect seedlings and bucket gardens to those lending a hand in tending the Garden Recovery nursery, have brought new energy to his days. Remarkably, Poppa even mentioned that he has observed an improvement in his overall health and sense of purpose since the inception of this project.
One of the truly remarkable aspects of Poppa's involvement is the intergenerational connections that have flourished as a result. In an era where fences have grown taller and digital interactions often replace face-to-face connections, Poppa's space has become a hub of diverse encounters. These encounters transcend age and background, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie. Poppa's compassionate presence has extended far beyond gardening advice; it has provided solace to those who have suffered significant losses due to Cyclone Gabrielle. Visitors often leave not only with seedlings in hand but also with a comforting conversation, a shared cup of tea, or even a friendly chat over a casual beer. The profound impact of Poppa's presence resonates deeply within the community, serving as a reminder of the importance of human connection and support during times of adversity. It is indeed a privilege to have Poppa as a guiding light throughout this experience.
The Journey Continues:
As Hawke's Bay transitions from recovery to resilience, the Magic Beans group stands tall as a symbol of the human spirit's indomitable strength. Every bucket garden planted, every seed sown, and every seedling nurtured embodies a story of renewal and hope. As the seasons change and gardens flourish, the people of Hawke's Bay are reminded that even in the darkest times, a compassionate community can cultivate new life, new growth, and a brighter future.
Getting Involved:
If you're in Hawke's Bay and want to join a working bee, or if you're interested in receiving seedlings or bucket gardens, we'd love to connect with you. Reach out to us, we’d love to hear from you.