Mike King is guiding the students at Aho Aho Project at Otaki College on the road  to successfully renovating the gardens and orchard. Plus visiting Green Earth with a fledgling food forest in development.  Emily Williams of Waterscapes will be on hand to answer questions on how to develop a Food Forest.

Aho Aho Project

Mike Kings' background as a German qualified arborist and landscape gardener has set him firmly on a path exploring the less well-travelled paths in horticulture.  Whether, as a professional forager undertaking tours for those wanting to learn more about the edible plants in our neighbourhood or working with college students to introduce them to the wonders of growing food, Mike enjoys sharing his knowledge with the next generation. 

He started renovating the neglected horticulture block at Otaki College about 8 months ago, working alongside the students and teaching them a myriad of skills from building structures, planting and harvesting to tasting and making ice creams. They grow and make up 10 vege boxes a week and sell them to teachers. Mike also make botanical ice creams which he uses to showcase flavours especially native spices and flavours. He makes ice cream each week with students using ingredients from the garden. Mike is also looking forward to running an alternative education program for students that are struggling to fit in to the standard learning program.

Green Earth

Matt and Carys Brenin live on their 2.6 ha property at the foot of the Tararuas, east of Otaki with their children. Starting with only a flat building site, a steep bush clad hill and  few paddocks, a house has been added and a number of experimental areas of mix fruit trees berries and firewood. Now it is time to convert 2000m2 of paddock into a food forest, designed for foraging for food. Currently it consists of native shelterbelts, avocados and a herb/shrub underplanting. It is in its infancy but they have a number of other spaces with more mature fruit trees, berries and herbs that they have experimented with. They are looking forward to sharing their plans for the land and discuss the  possibilities and pitfalls.

Emily Williams has a background as a landscape architect with a keen interest in permaculture principles. She has spent many years, not only creating spaces for her clients but in developing their own 50 hectare property, following these principles. She also facilitates and tutors short courses on permaculture from her home base. Emily will be on hand to guide us on the basics of establishing a food forest.

Programme:

10-10.30am Otaki College registration

10.30am-12.30pm - Mike King

12.30-1.15pm - lunch (bring your own)

1.30 - 3.30pm - afternoon start at Green Earth

Please bring the following items with you:

Face mask

Lunch, water bottle etc (there are no hot drinks available onsite)

Gumboots or walking boots, dress for the weather

Notepad/pen (optional)

Terms and Conditions:

Our members include vulnerable people, please help protect their wellbeing.

If you are unwell, please stay home and cancel your ticket.  Ticket price (if applicable) will be refunded if you are unwell.

Please wear a mask when in close proximity to others or indoors, and practice social distancing.

Sanitiser will be available at the venue on the registration desk.

Bring your own lunch, chair/picnic blanket, drink etc.  Due to Covid we will not be providing refreshments.

As we are keeping a record of attendees, registration in advance is essential.