Sign In / Register
Local volunteer group The Pickers, a passion project run by Ōrewa business owner Kayleen Martin and her son Vincent through Ripple Recruitment is inviting home gardeners to share their surplus fruit with the wider community. They offer a free pick-and-pick-up service that ensures no lemon, mandarin, or orange goes to waste.
“Everywhere I drive, I see trees laden with beautiful, untouched fruit,” The Pickers coordinator Kayleen says.
“We’re not just picking fruit, we’re strengthening the roots of our community, especially for our senior tree owners who may no longer be able to harvest their own produce.”
Many fruit trees in local backyards belong to older residents, who once harvested and shared their crops with ease but now find the physical demands of picking too difficult. The Pickers step in to fill that gap, harvesting the fruit and ensuring it’s either gifted to families in need or repurposed into preserves, sauces, and other shared goods.
But this initiative is more than just about sustainability; it keeps communities connected and enables seniors to continue making meaningful contributions. During the picking visits, friendly chats happen naturally, offering companionship and connection, free of charge, to those who might otherwise be isolated.
In addition according to horticultural advice, timely picking of ripe citrus also protects the long-term health of trees, helping them conserve energy and avoid issues like dropped fruit, disease, and overstrain.
“We’re inviting anyone with more fruit than they need to give us a call,” Kayleen says. “It’s a small act with a big impact for your garden, for your neighbours, and for the wellbeing of our whole community.”
To book a pick-up or volunteer with The Pickers, contact Kayleen Martin on 027 647 5000 or kayleen@ripple.net.nz
