7 February 2011

A taste of the past and food for future thought are both on the agenda at free events at two of Taranaki's Regional Gardens on Saturday (12 February).

A market day at Tupare, in Mangorei Road, New Plymouth, will include a talk on ethical farming and food security, while a guided walk at Pukeiti, in Upper Carrington Road, will take in the heritage property's rich history.

"Market days at Tupare are always popular, with Taranaki Farmers Market and local growers and craftspeople's stalls attracting hundreds of people," says the Taranaki Regional Council's Regional Gardens Manager, Greg Rine. "Plus there's free tours of the stately Tupare homestead, and at 10am there's a presentation on ethical farming and food security."

The presenter is John Earney, of Avonstour Rare Breeds Farm, who is a Taranaki Farmers Market regular. "He'll be talking about the role of what's termed 'ethical diversity farming', and what we can do to ensure a continued supply of food in a fast-changing world," says Mr Rine. "So this market day is offering sustenance for the mind as well as the body."

The market day runs from 9am to noon. Entry is free.

At Pukeiti, Manager Andrew Brooker will lead a guided walk along the 1920s tramline, built and used to remove logs from the forest.

"You'll hear the stories of those early days, and of the strangely named Paint Mines," says Mr Rine. "You'll also walk through the conservation forest that's currently being restored through replanting and natural regrowth."

The guided walk runs from 10am to 2pm, and is part of the New Plymouth District Council's Guided Walks Programme. It is not suitable for very young children and those with mobility problems, and participants should bring strong footwear, drinks and food.

The Tupare market day and Pukeiti guided walk are part of a year-long programme of free public events at the two properties and at Hollard Gardens, the third heritage property owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region.

All properties are open daily and entry is free. For more information, see www.pukeiti.org.nz, www.tupare.info and www.hollardgardens.info. The Regional Gardens are also on Facebook (TaranakiRegionalGardens) and Twitter (TaranakiRG).

ENDS

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