Tucked away in the heart of a Mount Maunganui industrial area, just beside the motorway, a thriving orchard has blossomed into a green oasis – providing the Central Mews, 17 Owens Place residential complex with a point of connection around fruit and vegetables.
While the complex features 72 fully occupied townhouses, it’s the flourishing garden spaces at either end of the development that are capturing the hearts of residents, particularly children and families.
In 2023, body corporate site manager Murray Lilley spearheaded the creation of the orchard, working with local businesses to bring the project to life.
“Zespri donated kiwifruit vines, and Mitre 10 provided all the other fruit trees,” said Lilley. “We created it for the kids so they could learn about and pick fruit for their lunches every day.”
Central Mews features 72 fully occupied townhouses, along with a flourishing orchard. Photo / Brydie Thompson
Lilley, who moved from Auckland five years ago to help establish the site, saw the potential to give the dense urban space a community vibe.
“I thought the place needed more value – something to bring people together. Once you come inside the complex, it’s got a completely different vibe from the surrounding industrial area.”
With support from the local business community – including ITM, Bunnings, Mitre 10, and nearby wood processing plants – the idea quickly gained momentum. Donations of materials and support helped turn the vision into reality.
During the last two years Lilley had planted mandarins, apples, grapes, feijoas, kiwifruit and passionfruit. He’d also added large pots of herbs and tomatoes, inviting residents to help themselves. A sign reads: “FRUIT 4 KIDS”.
The orchard gate at Central Mews in Owens Place has a sign for children that reads 'Fruit 4 kids'. Photo / Brydie Thompson
The complex is home to an estimated 350 people, many from diverse backgrounds, including South American and Indian families, some of whom work in the kiwifruit industry.
“We’ve got a great mix of cultures living here,” Lilley said. “Everyone enjoys using the space.”
Residents said the orchard had quickly become a cherished part of their daily lives.
Ajani Peiris, who moved in with her husband and two children in 2023, shared how the garden had become a go-to destination.
“My daughter Anika, who’s 11, loves taking her friends there when they visit. They walk around and pick fruit. My eight-year-old son loves it too. It really feels like a community here – the kids have friends within the complex who love skateboarding and playing with the basketball hoops.”
Central Mews body corporate site manager Murray Lilley in the orchard. Photo / Brydie Thompson
Longtime resident Cherie Elsegood, who lives next to one of the orchards, said she’d watched the space transform under Lilley’s care.
“When I first moved here two years ago, there was nothing. Murray has done all this,” she said. “There are mandarins, feijoas, summer herbs, and the apples were divine. It’s such a lovely concept.”
Elsegood, who is now retired, said the garden fills a crucial need for green space in high-density housing developments.
“Many complexes don’t have anything like this, especially for children. But here, they can open the big gate, come in, and pick fresh fruit. It’s lovely to see different cultures come together in a shared space like this.”
Central Mews features 72 fully occupied townhouses, along with a flourishing orchard. Photo / Brydie Thompson
Despite its proximity to the motorway, residents said the complex is peaceful and safe.
“It’s quiet, and we’re lucky to have Murray. He’s a phenomenal property manager,” Elsegood said. “It’s private, it’s secure, and for someone like me, I’ve got my own courtyard – plus a view of the orchard from my dining room.”
She hoped this model inspired future housing developments. “Spaces like these should be part of planning, especially when kids are growing up in apartments. The children here are respectful – they treat the garden with care. It’s been lovely to watch.”