Te Māra Āwhina is a newly established service group that provides students with the opportunity to learn about sustainable gardening practices, while caring for their community (Manaakitanga).  The group’s focus is on planting herbs, fruit and vegetables from seeds and seedlings, maintaining the garden through weeding, watering, fertilising (worm bins), as well as donating produce to local and wider communities.

Previously a barren space, the garden is now thriving thanks to the efforts of both staff and students.  Late last term the Year 11 Health students cleared and prepared the space for planting.  During their efforts they dug up and re-potted swan plants which were donated to Kindercare Milford.  They also planted seedlings which are now beginning to flourish.

Our first crop for cultivation has consisted of rocket, spinach and silverbeet so far this term.  This has been harvested and donated to our school staff as part of Te Mara Awhina’s ‘Wednesday Wellness’ initiative, supporting overall well-being.

We have collaborated with various community groups over the last month, including Localised.  Localised is a local organisation dedicated to zero waste.  Their ethos is to re-purpose, reuse and repair items collected from inorganic curbside collections.  We have also received generous donations from Bunnings in the form of compost, seedlings, seeds and gloves, for which we are grateful for.

Te Māra Āwhina is hosting an art competition this term, encouraging students to create garden signs or artwork using up-cycled materials.  The link to this competition can be found here.

For those interested in contributing, donating or volunteering in the garden, please contact Ginny Peek at gpeek@carmel.school.nz.  We always welcome new members; whether they be students, teachers, parents, grandparents etc… basically anyone who is keen to get involved!