Last year for Neighbours Day, the Church gave away seeds so we could show care for our neighbours through edible seeds for church-led community gardens and foodbanks. This year, the Church is doing it again, only this time we are also encouraging finding ways to share veggies, seeds, garden tips with neighbours. And this year PSN also have free seeds, for Auckland churches only.
Moderator's Neighbours Day message 2021
In his Neighbour's Day message, Moderator, Rt Rev Fakaofo Kaio encouraged parishes to plant some extra seeds of hope and generosity in communities during the Neighbours Day "Great Plant Swap". "Whether your church is a young sapling or has deep roots in the community, your parish can Care for God's Creation by sharing free seeds. As local churches, we lead by example..." Read the message.
Free Seeds for Parishes
The national Neighbour’s Day theme 20-30 March is “The Great Plant Swap” - so we are once again giving away vegetable and some flower seeds to all our parishes throughout NZ - and Presbyterian Support Northern is giving away free seeds to Auckland parishes only. During Neighours Day we are encouraging everyone to:
- grow veggies for your foodbank or in your community garden
- swap seeds with a neighbour
- make a plant gift for your neighbour with something you have grown
- take some flowers to a neighbour
- organise a produce swap
- share garden tips or recipes for food in season
- create a new community garden or berm pollinator pathway together
- a working bee in the garden for those with mobility issues
- a friendly neighbourhood BBQ and encourage people to bring something homegrown
Apply for free seeds for parishes - email the Church below!
Like last year, we have some packets of vegetable seeds to give away to Presbyterian and Uniting parishes to get you started. Seeds will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Priority will be given to those parish projects that support neighbours - the wider community. See how to apply below, and see how to apply for Presbyterian Support Northern seeds for Auckland churches below.
Email the following information to the Church:
• Parish name and contact person
• A very short description of how the seeds will be used.
Email angela@presbyterian.org.nz by 5pm Tues 23 March 2021.
Types of seeds available: Silverbeet, kale, lettuce, carrot, leek, onion, beetroot, cauliflower, radish, tomatoes, brussel sprouts, marigold.
Presbyterian Support Northern - Free Basil Plants for Auckland churches only
Presbyterian Support Northern are supporting Neighbours Day by working with parishes through Prescare during the "Great Plant Swap". They have seed sponsorships from Bunnings and Yates and are giving away vegetable seeds to Auckland parishes. As at lunchtime 17 March all seeds have been distributed, however they still have plenty of basil plants from Kings Plant Barn.
To apply for basil plants in Auckland only, contact Cindy Jang-Barlow with your parish name, contact person, short description of how many plants you need, and how you will use them. Plants are available to collect from reception at PSN support office 111 Great South Road, Epsom from 18 - 25 March.
Resources
Download the 2021 Neighbours Day “Great Plant Swap” poster for use on your parish bulletin board, in your newsletter or social media channels.
See more on the Neighbours Day “Great Plant Swap” website for other ideas about how to get involved.
Tell us what you are doing
So you’ve decided to get involved, great! Let us know. Email us, and we’ll publicise your event on the Church’s Facebook page. Also send us some photos.