Growing kai and communities

• Published date: 18 April 2024
• Publication title: Guardian, The

Planter boxes are built by students at UCOL in Palmerston North as part of their building and construction course, and delivered and installed by Manawatū Food Action Network. To keep the vegetables and whānau thriving, the network also provides advice and guidance

Sazshia heads one of 80 whānau in Manawatū that receive a planter box through the initiative, which aims to improve wellbeing through kai security. After receiving the planter box, Sazshia made a deal with her children to learn about gardening and grow their own kai.

“They wanted a pet, so I made them a deal: if they could grow and look after two tomato plants each, we would discuss getting one. Fortunately, they weren’t good plant parents, so we compromised by getting a fish,” Sazshia says.

“I love spending time with my kids in the garden and showing them where, how, and what type of kai we can grow and eat. We also explore their favourite vegetables, and I encourage them to try every vege at least once because we’ve grown them in our own garden.”

From humble beginnings growing only tomatoes, Sazshia’s garden is now home to peppers, lettuces, cabbages, cauliflowers, capsicums, rosemary, chives and lemon basil, and she’s busy sharing her new-found knowledge with others.

Through volunteering at several community organisations, including Just Zilch Food Rescue and Community Fruit Harvest Manawatū, Sazshia also supports other whānau...