Engine Bay Garden

» Engine Bay Garden

Engine Bay Garden

A hive of activity

Tucked away in Hobsonville Point by a coastal walkway, the Engine Testing Bay team are dedicated to regenerating nature through community-driven, chemical-free initiatives. Since 2013 until the end of 2024, our Engine Testing Bay Nursery has been a cornerstone of our efforts, operating out of a humble shed with the help of a committed group of volunteers. Rain or shine, these volunteers work tirelessly to eco-source, propagate, and pot up tens of thousands of native plants each year. Their efforts help restore local bushland, support native wildlife and reduce atmospheric carbon.

Since 2019, we have seen significant growth in sustainable living practices. Our community orchard and gardens have flourished, providing fresh produce and a sense of shared purpose. The community compost hub has also expanded, playing a crucial role in our sustainability efforts by transforming food waste into rich, usable soil.

Our initiatives

Native Plant Propagation: Until the end of 2024, we've been growing 10,000 native plants annually to rejuvenate the local coastal area. Now these plants continue to be nurtured at our Birkdale nursery by dedicated volunteers.

Community Orchard & Gardens: In 2019, volunteers established a thriving orchard and garden beds, producing organic vegetables, fruit and herbs that are shared among the community.

Community Compost Hub: Launched in 2020, our compost hub diverts significant local food waste from landfills, turning it into valuable soil for residents and our teaching garden.

Habitat Hobsonville: Hosted their toolshed and supported to establish a pest-free and restoration programme, including dotterel protection, which is now an independent member of Upper Waitematā Ecology Network.

EcoPoint: Fundholder for local sustainability group activities, such as battery collection for recycling.

Advisory Role: Our team is always happy to discuss your needs and help you find the best solutions for growing food and native plants.

Volunteers win Upper Harbour Local Board Environment Award 2021

We are thrilled to celebrate the dedicated volunteers who have been honoured with the Upper Harbour Local Board Environment Award 2021. This award recognises the tireless efforts and unwavering commitment of our community’s unsung heroes in enhancing native biodiversity and supporting sustainable living practices. Despite operating out of a modest shed with limited facilities, our volunteers show up every week. Their remarkable contributions include establishing the Hobsonville Community Compost Hub in 2020, which has successfully diverted significant local food waste from landfills, transforming it into valuable compost. Read more.

In addition, Derek Craig received Upper Harbour Local Board Volunteer Recognition 2024 Certificate as an Environmental Hero.