How one planter box is making a difference

The planter box started its life at the Otago Corrections Facility where it was measured, cut and put together by a prisoner, learning carpentry skills.

From there, the planter box made its way to Otago Polytechnic’s Living Campus in Dunedin where it became part of the Kāinga Ora Garden Programme. Run by Living Campus lead Kim Thomas, the programme teaches Kāinga Ora tenants how to grow their own food through a series of hands-on workshops. Twenty tenants have participated so far, each receiving a planter box to take home and use.

“It’s about learning by doing,” explains Kim. “People can ask questions, try things out, and build confidence as they go.”

Tenants learn to sow seeds, handle seedlings, what to plant and when. The workshop also offers them a chance to meet others.

“A lot of people enjoy that side of it as well, just connecting with others who are interested in the same thing,’’ says Kim.

“Our approach reflects manaakitanga: showing care, respect, and support by creating spaces where people feel welcomed, valued, and encouraged to grow.”

The planter box then makes its way to a Kāinga Ora home, where Kim fills it with compost and supports a tenant she’s been working with to plant seedlings grown during the workshop.

Rachael is one of the tenants to have benefitted from the planter box.

“I like to think of myself as an avid gardener, so the chance to learn in a hands-on environment was really exciting,” she says.

“What I gained was the confidence to go fully into vegetables over autumn and winter, which will change how I cook, rather than relying on the supermarket. I’ve been able to involve my kids as well, getting them out there helping and showing them what I’ve learned.”

Rachael now volunteers regularly at the Living Campus. And she’s not the only tenant volunteering there, it’s a way for them to stay connected, keep learning, and building on what they started.

With encouragement from Kim, Rachael has also decided she will pursue a free New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) through Otago Polytechnic, with several other tenants also considering it.

“Our job is about more than just providing a house,” says Nicola Pinfold, Community Development and Engagement Manager at Kāinga Ora.

“It’s about connecting customers, building community, and supporting wellbeing.”

Kim agrees: “For me, success is when people keep going with it, using their gardens, coming back, staying involved,” she says.

Kim’s top gardening tips:

• Start small – you don’t need a big space to grow something useful
• Learn by doing – don’t worry about getting it perfect, just give it a go
• Plant what you’ll actually use – it makes it more rewarding (and saves money)
• Follow the seasons – it makes things a lot easier
• Get others involved – gardening’s better when it’s shared
• Keep at it – confidence grows the more you do