Local gardeners and food lovers are invited to take part in a new Crop Swap event launching tomorrow at Heart Space Studio on Commerce Street.

It will be the first crop swap of what organisers plan to be a weekly event, held every Thursday.

While Whakatāne has had crop swap groups in the past, there hasn’t been one running for some time.

This new initiative aims to revive the tradition of sharing local abundance and reconnecting the community.

On arrival, attendees lay their items out on shared tables and tarps, allowing time to mingle, chat and see what’s on offer.

A short welcome and introduction will follow, with space for anyone who wishes to explain what they’ve brought along. Any leftovers can be donated to the local food pantry.

Items to swap may include fresh fruit and vegetables, seedlings, plants or cuttings, herbs and flowers, free-range eggs, homemade preserves, baked goods, sourdough starters, favourite recipes, gardening books or magazines, and spare gardening tools or gear.

Organisers say it is an opportunity to meet new people, share knowledge, and distribute garden abundance within the community.

Everyone is welcome, whether they bring a little, or a lot.

For updates and more information, follow Crop Swap – Heart Space on Facebook.