Currently  5 families have purchased into the Eco village. 4 are currently living on the land and building houses. We have people from different nationalities and backgrounds. We respect each others belief systems and values and are learning from one another. 7 children are living on the land at present in age ranging from 1-9 years old. We have at least one common interest being the love of nature and are very dedicated to regenerate the native flora and fauna. QEII covenants protect the native bush in the gullys and funds from biodiversity NZ help with pest and weed control. Every month (Saturday)we have a working bee on the common land, followed by a community meeting. Socially we are open to whatever evolves organically between people and there are no compulsary gatherings etc. besides the monthly meeting and working bee, but we have experienced a great affinity and compassion between people living on the land from their heart, not because they have to.

The property is located at 820 west bank rd. Motueka near Nelson on the South Island. The distance to Motueka is 8km and 40km to Nelson. Access is by graveled common driveway to the top of the ridge where the house sites are situated. All lots are north facing and very warm even in the wintertime. The views are stunning both to the mountains as well as to the sea and Motueka. The elevation is appr.200m above se level. We have covenants in place to ensure the houses build fit within the overall vision.

All lots are serviced with spring fed water from the property and a telephone line to the boundary. We have a common power system currently mainly generating renewable energy.  A contribution towards this power system of 10,000 NZ$ has to be made upon purchase of a lot. Ongoing expenses to expand the system and to save for replacement are charged on a monthly basis.

The common land and power system is run by "Te Manawa eco village Ltd". Each landowner is shareholder/director of this company. In reality the land is a very relaxed place to live and come back to after being away. All of us are keen gardeners and helping each other out with child minding, carpooling, building and with all the rest life gives us.

“Te Manawa” eco village is not your ordinary subdivision and the following statements should help you to decide if you want to live at "Te Manawa"; 

All the people living here are equally committed to make things work;

- Living of off the main grid.(alternative power)

- Regeneration of the bush by pest and weeds removal

- Create a harmonious place where children can play freely and safe

- Sharing and helping each other wherever possible

- Respecting other people’s ideas and philosophies and find solutions when issues arise that works for    everyone.(democratic decision making).

 This kind of lifestyle can be challenging at times, but at the same time it is most rewarding. This kind of life is not for everyone, you have to be open to new ideas and to be involved into each others lives  more than you would if you where living at a “normal” subdivision.   We have a monthly working bee on the common land. In the past 2 years we have achieved already a lot of goals.

- 30ha of mature pines eradicated

- 20ha of wildling pines removed

- planted 1.5km roadside with native plants

- received 40,000 NZ$ funding from biodiversity New Zealand for pest/weed control.

- Building, gardening, landscaping and setting up a sustainable community.

We do not want to disturb the bird and wildlife so unfortunately no permanent cats and dogs allowed.