Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Trail

The Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Trail is an annual event run alongside the Taranaki Garden Festival and the Taranaki Arts Trail that celebrates local efforts in sustainability and inspires everyday people in the community to make positive and self-sufficient lifestyle changes. The Trail involves individuals, families, and community organisations generously opening their ‘backyards' to the public to inspire us with their creativity, innovation, and dedication to living a more sustainable lifestyle. From solar panels and eco-homes to bio-intensive vegetable production and bees, the Trail offers a wide range of examples of what everyday people can do to reduce their impact on the environment and get involved in their community.

The Sustainable Backyards Trail is more than just about viewing gardens - it's about sharing knowledge, ideas, and inspiration. It’s also an opportunity for you to connect with people in the community who are enthusiastic about growing their own food, looking after the land, saving money, and sharing resources, Collectively, they contribute to a more resilient Taranaki, New Zealand, and world.

We hope you will be inspired to join local community initiatives, engage in educational opportunities, and take action yourself - change starts in your backyard!

Who runs the Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Trail?

The Trail is a program of Sustainable Taranaki, which works with and supports our community on a local level, empowering people through education and advocacy. Our mission is to provide advice and support in an accessible and non-judgmental manner and identify and initiate responses to gaps and opportunities that help move people from awareness to action. Current programs include the IMPACT Youth Action Incubator, hands-on Sustainable Taranaki Workshops, Community Gardens Program, and the leadership role in education at the newly built community reuse and recycle centre, The Junction – Zero Waste Hub.