A community-driven initiative in Katikati is looking for a family or individual who wants to grow food to pair with a local landowner and share the produce.

Grow On Katikati (GOK) – a project that inspires food resilience, one backyard at a time, in the community – has another spot on its collaborative gardening mission, said spokeswoman Jizzy Green.

“Collaborative gardening pairs someone with a large garden they can’t keep up with, with a gardener who has limited space but energy and enthusiasm to grow.

“Together, they share the workload, the harvest, and the joy of growing kai [food]. Over the years, four successful collaborative gardens have blossomed via GOK.

“Now, we’re extending the invitation to the wider community. Perhaps a family – or even a person on their own – are looking for a space to grow food?

“Right now, Katikati resident Barbara Green has a wonderful large garden on Fairview Rd and she is looking for a gardening buddy to join her and another gardener in growing food to share.”

Green said collaborative gardening is another way GOK can help create a connected community. “And we know that a connected community is a resilient community.”

Since starting in 2020, GOK has continued to thrive.

Beyond supplying seeds, seedlings, and skills through workshops for members, it also runs a monthly Crop Swap on the first Saturday of each month beside Katikati Community Centre. “It’s a place where people bring their surplus produce to share – and go home with something new in return,” said Green.

“Because GOK responds to the needs of the community, new ideas often take root. When parents suggested a gardening club for children, the Seedlings Club was born.

“When two elderly gardeners shared that they had the land but could no longer manage the physical work, the idea of collaborative gardening emerged.”

The collaborative gardening project may suit people who have limited or no space in their own backyard for gardening, want to enter the world of growing produce, or need to put more food on the table.

Green said if families or individuals would like to know more about pairing with Barbara Green in her Fairview Rd garden, or register their interest, they can email: growonkatikati@gmail.com

“We’ll happily set up a meeting and introduce you to Barbara and her beautiful big garden.”