Sunflower Farms in Hawke's Bay - A Symbol of Resilience Post-Cyclone Gabrielle

Added a week ago

In the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle (one year today), which devastated parts of Hawke's Bay, local farmers have transformed silt-laden fields into vibrant sunflower farms, symbolizing resilience and community spirit.

One notable example is an 8-hectare farm in Puketapu that was submerged during the cyclone, forcing the owners to await rescue from their roof. Today, this land boasts approximately 100,000 sunflowers, attracting both locals and tourists. Visitors can explore the fields and, for a small donation, pick sunflowers to take home. The proceeds support a community garden on-site, which provides fresh produce to families in need.

Similarly, the McCarthy family in Puketapu established "Crude Food," a community garden initiative. They've planted a vast sunflower field to draw visitors and foster community engagement. Their goal is to teach gardening practices and enhance local food resilience. The sunflower fields have become a popular attraction, with many visitors expressing joy and appreciation for the initiative.

These sunflower farms not only beautify the landscape but also serve as a testament to the strength and unity of the Hawke's Bay community in the face of adversity.

Baxter's Sunflower Farm, located at 130 Havelock Road in Havelock North, offers visitors the opportunity to experience a stunning 10-acre sunflower field. Guests can walk the trail through thousands of blooming sunflowers, take photographs, and even pick their own sunflowers to take home. The farm also features a maze within the sunflower field, adding an element of adventure to the visit. In addition to sunflowers, visitors can purchase sweet corn during their visit. The farm has been a popular attraction in the community, providing a picturesque setting for families and individuals to enjoy nature's beauty.

For a visual overview of these sunflower fields, you can watch the following video:

Sunflowers turn cyclone-damaged fields into tourist attraction