We believe it’s important to empower whānau and communities to live well. Part of that means teaching people how they can live sustainably and self-sufficiently.

That’s why we were pleased to support the Oranga Kai Ora Community Gardens and Compost Hub to lead a free workshop, to teach whānau important skills around growing, harvesting, and cooking their homegrown kai. 



In March, Oranga Kai Ora Gardens and Compost Hub held a workshop aimed at helping beginners learn everything they need to know about growing a thriving veggie garden.

This was the first session of a two-part series, and the second session happened on Saturday 13 May.

While session one focused on growing your own veggies, the second session was all about harvesting and cooking your veggies.



It was a practical, hands-on session where participants harvested the veggies they planted at the Kai Ora Garden during session one, and then were taught the best ways to cook them at the Oranga Community Centre.



The Oranga Kai Ora Gardens and Compost Hub is part of the Oranga Development. From the outset the garden has been a partnership between Kāinga Ora, Piritahi and the local community. We wanted to give something back to the neighbourhood and learned from locals that a community garden was high on their wish list! 

It’s great to now be able to educate local whānau on developing their own gardens alongside the community one, as well as utilising the kai they’ve grown. 

The Oranga Kai Ora Gardens and Compost Hub is located at 63 Oranga Avenue. Check out the Oranga Kai Ora Gardens and Compost Hub Facebook page for more information on open hours, or get in touch with Sarah Lightbody to find out more. 

You can reach Sarah on 027 484 6167 or by emailing orangagardens@gmail.com.

This initiative was led by Tāmaki WRAP (Waste Reduction Action Project), Auckland Council, and Maungakiekie-Tamaki local board as part of their goal to connect and support communities to reduce waste, and proudly supported by Kāinga Ora and the Oranga Development.