Month: December 2025

Kia ora koutou,

as 2025 draws to a close, we’ve been taking a moment to stand still among the beds, the trees, and the compost piles, and reflect on what has been an extraordinary year of growth — not just in the soil, but in our people, our kaupapa, and our connections.

This year we expanded our garden and our imagination through the kūmara project, growing an incredible 16 varieties and deepening our understanding of this treasured taonga. We were also humbled to receive funding support from Foundation North and the Starfish Foundation, which helped strengthen our mahi and set us up for the seasons ahead. Huge thanks to with matua Rob Small for leading this kaupapa and generously sharing his mātauranga and to Luke for writing an outstanding funding application.

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Kia ora koutou,

A gentle heads up as we head into the festive season. This week is our final week of open volunteer sessions for the year, before we close over summer and return in mid-January.

Tuesday and Thursday sessions are both running as usual this week, and we would really love to see you there. It feels like a good moment to slow down, hang out, share a few laughs, and enjoy each other’s company before our focus turns to holidays, rest, and recharging.

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Kia ora koutou,

Next week is our final week of volunteer sessions for the year, so we are really looking forward to seeing you in the māra and catching up before everyone drifts into holiday mode.

If you have not been along for a little while, now is a beautiful time to visit. The summer crops are settling in, the kūmara are stretching into their new beds, and the māra has that warm, full feeling that comes right before Christmas.

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Kia ora koutou,

Due to unforeseen circumstances  the Growing Point team are not able to run the Thursday session this week. We will be back on deck next week.  Tuesday session is going ahead and Di will be hosting it.  If you’re free Weds 5.30- 8 you could support the Sanctuary Mahi Whenua by going to Ellens workshop, or donate the givealittle page below.

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