Good Neighbour: Connecting Backyard Abundance with the Community

How Good Neighbour distributes backyard abundance. Your garden could make a difference too.

In Tauranga, Good Neighbour has been running a Second Harvest programme for over five years, transforming backyard surplus into a fresh source of kai for the community. What began through word of mouth has grown into a well-organised operation, with 36,000 kilograms of produce harvested in 2024 alone.

“Most of our harvest comes from residential gardens and small orchards across the Bay of Plenty,” says Renee Hanna, General Manager at Good Neighbour Aotearoa Trust. “We distribute it through 78 charitable partners and also directly to households who need it.”

For many growers, the motivation is simple. They don’t want to see good food go to waste. “A lot of people just do not have the time or ability to harvest themselves,” Renee explains. “They are happy to hand it over to a team they trust and know will treat their property with respect.” Volunteers are often welcomed with a cup of tea, home baking, and friendly conversation, with goodwill flowing both ways.

A seasonal crop calendar helps plan harvests, covering everything from avocados and kiwifruit to sweet corn and potatoes. The catalogue is continually updated as new produce comes on board, making it a valuable tool for coordinating harvests with their dedicated volunteer crew.

“At the heart of Second Harvest are around 20 regular volunteers, with four or five out picking most days,” says Renee. “They are part of a wider network of 300 active volunteers across all our programmes, and some have been with us for more than a decade.” Team leaders keep everything running smoothly by managing rosters, liaising with homeowners, inducting new members, and updating the crop catalogue. Volunteers also gather for morning teas or lunches, building friendships and strengthening the sense of community.

The interest in volunteering is so strong that Good Neighbour keeps a waiting list. New helpers register online and are invited to one of the organisation’s monthly tours, where they can see the mahi in action and find the role that suits them best.

As Renee puts it, “It is often said that there is enough food to feed the world, and that is true. The challenge lies in connecting the abundance in our backyards with those who do not have enough. We believe that the solutions to many challenges in society are found when a community comes together in strength.”

Learn more about how you can get involved in Second Harvest here.