Lottery funding sows seeds of sustainability in Waitaki garden
Waitaki Community Gardens sowing the seeds of community and sustainability
The Waitaki Community Gardens is at the heart of the small community of around 23,000 people, with a mission to share the joys of sustainable gardening with locals and touring visitors.
Supported by lottery funding from Te Puna Tahua Lottery Grants Board, the community garden hosts popular events and workshops throughout the year for those eager to learn about growing their own produce and reducing their environmental impact.
From humble beginnings over a decade ago, the garden has grown into a thriving hub of activity that attracts volunteers and students of all ages and backgrounds to work side by side, sharing knowledge and experiences and growing a sense of community alongside their lettuce and tomatoes.
Central to the garden's offerings is the ‘Seed to Table’ course - a hands-on permaculture workshop series designed to equip budding green-thumbs with essential skills for cultivating organic and productive gardens.
The garden not only brings the community together but also offers a refreshing antidote to today’s fast-paced, digital world.
With 100% of Lotto New Zealand profits being returned to funding Local Grants, every time you play a Lotto New Zealand game, you’re a Kiwi helping initiatives like the Waitaki Community Gardens foster a healthy, sustainable, and connected community.
Read more Local Grant recipient stories.
Time to Tickle Your Thinker 🧠
If a zookeeper had 100 pairs of animals in her zoo, and two pairs of babies are born for each one of the original animals, then (sadly) 23 animals don’t survive, how many animals do you have left in total?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
-
9.6% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
-
43.2% I want to be able to choose.
-
47.2% Against. I want to deal with people.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Loading…
