Gardening workshops teaching valuable skills

Simple planter boxes made in a prison workshop are making a meaningful difference in the life of Kāinga Ora tenants in Dunedin, thanks to a partnership with Otago Polytechnic's Living Campus team.

The planter boxes started their lives at the Otago Corrections Facility where they were measured, cut and put together by prisoners learning carpentry skills.

From there, they made their way to Otago Polytechnic’s Living Campus in Dunedin where they became part of the Kāinga Ora Garden Programme.

It's run by Living Campus lead Kim Thomas, who is teaching Kāinga Ora tenants how to grow their own food through a series of hands-on workshops.

Twenty tenants have participated so far, each receiving a planter box to take home and use.

“It’s about learning by doing,” explains Kim.

“People can ask questions, try things out, and build confidence as they go.”

Tenants are learning to sow seeds, how to handle seedlings, and exploring what to plant and when.

The on-campus workshops also offer them a chance to meet other green-fingered enthusiasts.

“A lot of people enjoy that side of it as well, just connecting with others who are interested in the same thing,’’ says Kim.

“Our approach reflects manaakitanga: showing care, respect, and support by creating spaces where people feel welcomed, valued, and encouraged to grow.”

The planter boxes are filled with compost, with Kim supporting the Kāinga Ora tenants in planting seedlings at home that they've grown during the workshop.

Rachael is one of the tenants who've benefitted from the taster programme and has taken some initial steps towards self-suffienciency.

“I like to think of myself as an avid gardener, so the chance to learn in a hands-on environment was really exciting,” she says.

“What I gained was the confidence to go fully into vegetables over autumn and winter, which will change how I cook, rather than relying on the supermarket."

"I’ve been able to involve my kids as well, getting them out there helping and showing them what I’ve learned,” says Rachel.

She now volunteers regularly at the Living Campus alongside other tenants, who see it as a way to stay connected, keep learning, and build on what they started.

And the workshops have planted a seed for Rachael. Thanks to Kim's encouragement, she's decided to pursue a free New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) through Otago Polytechnic, with several other tenants also considering expanding their knowledge further.

Mother and daughter Kylie and Billie have also been digging in alongside Rachael, and say they're grateful to Kāinga Ora for the practical gardening opportunity.

Nicola Pinfold, Community Development and Engagement Manager at Kāinga Ora, believes their job is about more than just providing a house. 

“It’s about connecting customers, building community, and supporting wellbeing,” she says.

Kim says she's enjoyed working with the tenants and watching their skills and genuine passion for gardening grow.

“For me, success is when people keep going with it, using their gardens, coming back, and staying involved,” says Kim.

Kim’s top gardening tips:

•     Start small - you don’t need a big space to grow something useful
•     Learn by doing - don’t worry about getting it perfect, just give it a go
•     Plant what you’ll actually use - it makes it more rewarding (and saves money)
•     Follow the seasons - it makes things a lot easier
•     Get others involved - gardening’s better when it’s shared
•     Keep at it - confidence grows the more you do