Growing food in the Southern Lakes

Growing food series

Want to grow more of your own food, reduce food miles, and make the most of our unique growing conditions?

Wao's new Growing Food in the Southern Lakes monthly series is packed with practical advice from 15 local growers, brought together by the Southern Lakes Kai Collective. It's designed specifically for our region, sharing tips and techniques that have been tested in Southern Lakes gardens and orchards.

Each month, the series explores seasonal jobs and opportunities, helping both new and experienced growers make the most of what's happening in the garden.

The first winter edition covers:

• Building a raised garden bed

• Making the most of animal manures

• Propagating perennial plants

• Seed-raising basics

• Foraging and using strawberry tree berries

• A seasonal recipe for using up pumpkins and apples

Whether you're looking to grow a few vegetables or work towards greater food self-sufficiency, it's a fantastic source of local knowledge and inspiration.

Read the latest edition

Food resilience calendar

Wao has also launched a district-wide, year-round Food Resilience Calendar, bringing together local events, workshops and opportunities that celebrate and strengthen our local food system. Find out about seed swaps, orchard tours, regenerative farming workshops, harvest festivals and kai education programmes. Plan out when to learn new skills, meet local growers and support local producers.

Explore the Food Resilience Calendar

Join the network

Wao Aotearoa is bringing together local growers, gardeners, foragers, hunters, fishers, preservers, bakers and food enthusiasts to help strengthen local food networks across the Southern Lakes.

Perfect if you'd like to share seedlings, swap knowledge, grow staple crops with others, or simply connect with like-minded people.

Register your interest and help grow a more connected local food community: