Throughout Henry Fa’afili’s life he’s had many roles, including rugby pro, partner, and father. His latest role is empowering the next generation of Tauranga’s rangatahi.

Set upon 17ha of whenua in Welcome Bay, Ngāpeke Permaculture’s mission is to promote the abundance and security of kai, while ensuring the wellbeing of Papatūānuku, the environment and the community.

The Bay of Plenty’s own food guru, Cherie Metcalfe is a trained chef, founder of the hugely successful Pepper & Me, and author of two cookbooks. So who better to be our crusading culinary correspondent, sniffing out the hottest spots and tastiest morsels in town.

This is a whānau. It’s a kahui (community). It’s a lifestyle. It’s the place where tūpuna would light fires to guide the whānau home.

Luke Whareaorere, Otawa Waitaha a Hei project manager, gave up his Gold Coast construction career to come home and help restore the ngahere his tūpuna once traversed.