MEDIA RELEASE

Guerrilla Gardeners Come in From the Cold

Last year, those of us who occupied the former Wellington prison garden for the purposes of establishing a community garden/art-park, & protesting against the disposal of the land by the government, have now come in from the cold.

This situation has come about as a result of a decision by LINZ (Land Information N.Z.), who are responsible for disposing of surplus Crown land for the Government, to offer our activist group a “License to Occupy”(Lease).

Finally, after becoming incorporated as a charitable trust & a lengthy negotiation process with LINZ, our gardening - arts collective now known as (The Mt. Crawford Community Gardens Trust), have secured a License to Occupy (LTO) the site for five years.

These developments have legitimized our occupation & galvanized our efforts to revitalise the old prison gardens, conserve native flora & fauna, restore the greenhouse to its former glory & further the development of our small art-park venue area.

Now, with the first phase of “the save Mt. Crawford campaign” behind us, we’ll be focusing on growing local community involvement, applying for funding, holding occasional events, & collaborating with others who may benefit from utilizing our site & facilities.

The next phase of “the save Mt. Crawford campaign” will also involve publicising & generating support for, our inclusive vision for the future use of the former prison & surrounding land, which is currently being developed.

ENDS

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