From growing plants to growing communities

When the Kāinga Ora Haumaru complex first opened in 2019, St Brigid's School Principal, Linda Burch, noticed the development had four large planter boxes and asked if they could be involved in looking after the space.

The joint initiative was brought to life by a number of Kāinga Ora residents who had different skills to offer the gardening group. Irene and Diana, who started the garden with St Brigid's were very keen gardeners. Former teacher Chris uses her skills to run practical learning sessions that benefit both the students and wider community. Andrew is a photography whizz and the organiser for each session.

Chris says that the garden is an opportunity for older people or people with physical disabilities to be involved. “We could not do gardening without the children. I realise with my teaching background that I have the skills to support learning and gardening craft activities. I enjoy their enthusiasm and commitment to sustainable practice and for myself I have found another place where I enjoy the satisfaction and nature of the garden.”

School kids and Kāinga Ora customers painting decorative rocks for the community garden

Each term, 12 students with their teacher Lorna get involved in the programme, taking part in a wide variety of activities that help the continued growth of the garden – from growing plants from seeds and making seedpods to feed birds during the winter, through to creating crafts that they sell at the school’s market.

As a way of helping residents minimise their green waste output and replenish the garden, the students built compost bins in the complex. These are now used to help teach the students about how composting works and when they can use the material in the garden.

Greg Groufsky, Regional Director Greater Wellington Region is proud of the positive difference this initiative is having on both the students and Kāinga Ora customers.

“The Haumaru garden is a great example of how Kāinga Ora housing can foster great relationships between customers and local communities that benefits everyone involved,” says Greg.

While many of the customers are not involved in the physical labour of maintaining the garden, they still find their own way to support and contribute to the initiative in their own way.

“We have one customer who bakes a cake at the end of the term to say thank you and celebrate all the hard work the students have put into the space, which the kids absolutely love. Meanwhile, other residents have been contributing seeds or other items to help keep the garden alive,” Greg says.

St Brigid's School is always on the lookout for volunteers to help ensure this initiative continues to thrive – if you would like to be involved, please get in touch.