From emergency housing to flourishing gardens

Stability meant more than just a roof over his head. It gave him the chance to reconnect with a lifelong passion: gardening. “I’ve been growing veggies since I was about 10 years old,” he says. But in emergency housing, there was no space to grow kai. As soon as he settled into his new home, Damien rolled up his sleeves and got to work.

Today, his backyard is thriving. He’s growing a wide range of vegetables, along with herbs and fruit: enough to feed his whānau and even share some with others. “It saves money,” Damien explains. “I don’t have to buy veggies at the supermarket, so I can put that money into other things.”

Gardening has become more than a hobby; it’s a source of peace and purpose. He spends hours each day tending to his plants, composting, and even recycling materials to build garden beds and greenhouses. His 18-month-old son Josiah loves joining him in the garden, though for now, he’s more interested in eating dirt and bugs.

Damien’s knowledge runs deep. With horticulture qualifications and experience working in market gardens, he knows how to make the most of his space. He even creates his own natural fertilisers from rhubarb leaves and banana skins.

Bernie, his Housing Support Manager, says: “Damien and his whānau are really enjoying the benefits of moving into a stable home. He takes great pride in his backyard garden and is well liked by everyone on the street.”

For Damien, having a stable home has opened the door to better health, wellbeing, and the chance to truly thrive. “You feel proud when you can grow your own veggies for half the price of what they cost in the shops,” he says. “And you know exactly what’s in them, no chemicals, no pesticides.”

Looking ahead, he hopes to turn his passion into work that supports his whānau, using his horticulture skills to build a secure future.