Real-World Land Sharing & Value Exchange

Land can be more than just property—it can be a shared resource, a foundation for collaboration, and a place where like-minded people come together to cultivate something meaningful. Across the world, landowners and land seekers are forging innovative partnerships that go beyond traditional transactions. These arrangements create opportunities for sustainable food production, regenerative agriculture, community building, and long-term stewardship.

On this page, you’ll find real-world examples of diverse land-sharing models, where landowners and stewards have successfully exchanged skills, labour, and shared values in ways that benefit everyone involved. Whether through profit-sharing, co-ownership, mentorship-based agreements, or multi-generational land succession, these stories showcase the many ways land can be matched with the right people to unlock its full potential.

Explore the examples below to see how creative, mutually beneficial land-use arrangements are shaping the future of farming, conservation, and community resilience.

Growing Together: A Shared Vision for Sustainable Farming

Details Niva and Yotam Kay, originally from Israel, have established a notable partnership with landowners Jeanette Fitzsimons and Harry Parke at Pakaraka Farm in the Kauaeranga Valley near Thames, New Zealand. This collaboration exemplifies a successful model of shared land use and sustainable agriculture.

To find out more about Yotam and Niva, including their workshops, visit pakarakafarm.co.nz

Region Auckland

Co-Ownership & Shared-Use Models

Stewardship & Succession Arrangements

Work-Trade & Residency-Based Models

The Story

International Examples

Details

Intervale Community Farm (Vermont, USA): This community-supported agriculture (CSA) farm operates on a cooperative model where members share ownership and responsibilities. The cooperative structure enables community members to have a direct stake in the farm's operations and produce.
New Roots Cooperative Farm (Maine, USA): Established by Somali Bantu refugees, this cooperative farm allows members to share land, resources, and responsibilities. By pooling their efforts, they successfully market their produce and support their livelihoods in a new country.
Kibbutzim (Israel): Kibbutzim are collective communities traditionally based on agriculture. Members share ownership of property and resources, and work collectively in various economic sectors, including farming. This model has been instrumental in Israel's agricultural development.
Community Land Trusts (Various Locations): Community Land Trusts (CLTs) are non-profit organisations that hold land on behalf of a community, ensuring long-term affordability and sustainable land use. Individuals can lease land from the CLT to build homes or establish farms, promoting equitable access to land and resources.

Property Sharing Agreements Among Families and Friends

Details In New Zealand, it's common for friends, flatmates, or family members to jointly purchase property. To manage such co-ownership, they often establish Property Sharing Agreements, which outline each party's rights, obligations, and procedures for various scenarios, such as selling a share or handling unforeseen circumstances.

Sample PROPERTY SHARING AGREEMENT

Kainga Ora Shared Ownership Scheme

Details Kainga Ora offers a shared ownership scheme aimed at assisting individuals who might not otherwise be able to purchase a home. In this arrangement, Kainga Ora co-purchases a property with an eligible buyer, providing a pathway for the buyer to eventually acquire full ownership by buying out Kainga Ora's share over time.

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