ŌCHT tenants invited to grow and cook their own kai
ŌCHT’s Community Engagement Lead Polly holds her garden produce!
ŌCHT tenants in and around Addington are invited to take part in a new sustainability education programme, supported by the Christchurch City Council Sustainability Fund and delivered in partnership with Addington Farm.
What’s on offer?
Wilby (Addington Farm Manager) and Janet (Kaingaki Mai Activator) are sharing resources and knowledge to help tenants grow and cook their own kai using regenerative gardening practices. They can support individuals or groups at their housing complex, or welcome visitors to Addington Farm.
Workshops and clubs are also open to anyone interested — they’re a great way to learn new skills, meet others and enjoy fresh produce.
What are the workshops like?
Seedling Club
Held every Monday at Addington Farm. All materials are provided, and tenants who help propagate seedlings throughout the year receive a regular supply of fresh produce. No registration is needed.
Skill Share
This free, monthly event runs at Manuka Cottage, next to Harman Courts. A hot meal is always included, and skills on offer vary each time — recent sessions have included empanada making, knife sharpening and screen printing. No need to register.
Kai Club
Held fortnightly at Manuka Cottage. For $5 per session, tenants learn to cook a vegetarian meal using produce from the farm, and take home five servings of the meal. Pre-registration is required.
How to get involved
Visit Addington Farm at 31 Parlane Street (next to Feast Place)
Call or text Wilby on 027 221 1001
Email Janet at kaingakimara@gmail.com
Not in Addington?
The programme is focused on tenants living at Willard Street, Allison Courts, Harman Courts, Feast Place, Walsall Courts, Norman Kirk and Macgibbon Place. However, any tenant who lives, works or spends time in Addington is welcome to join. Friends, children and extended whānau are welcome too.
Tenants living elsewhere who are interested in gardening or learning new skills can also check out the Canterbury Community Garden Directory — it lists over 50 gardens across the region.
Some gardens offer allotments — dedicated growing spaces tenants can use away from their homes — while others have volunteer opportunities and community events. To learn more or find a garden nearby, tenants can:
Browse the full list of gardens on the Canterbury Community Garden Association website
Contact Rachel Vogan, Capacity Builder for the CCGA, at rachelvogan@gmail.com
Know of a garden, workshop or community kai initiative happening in another area?
We’d love to hear about it — email admin@ocht.org.nz and let us know.
