Manurewa’s next generation of kai growers

Two rangatahi have started paid horticulture internships at Te Maara Kai o Wirihana, learning to grow kai from planting to market.

Meet Tīpene Hancy and Cruz Harris in the video below as they show us around the 6,500m² urban farm and food forest, led by Manurewa High School staff and students.

The nine-month internship has been made possible through funding from the Manurewa Local Board, in collaboration with Mātātahi Taiao, a programme that supports rangatahi Māori leadership in te taiao. 

The initiative is the result of a partnership between Te Maara Kai o Wirihana, Mātātahi Taiao, Auckland Botanic Gardens and The Southern Initiative, creating a unique opportunity for young people to gain hands-on experience in horticulture, food growing and community leadership. 

Manurewa Local Board chair, Heather Andrew is delighted the board is able to back-to-back such great opportunities for local youth: 

“With 40 percent of our residents under the age of 24, investing in youth is one of our biggest priorities. This programme gives young people the chance to gain practical skills, build confidence, learn from experienced mentors and gain valuable work experience, while strengthening our community’s connection to growing food,” says chair Andrew. 

“We’re excited to support an initiative that helps young people thrive and contribute to a stronger, more connected Manurewa.”  

Over the next nine months, Tīpene and Cruz will spend most of their time working alongside experienced growers at Te Maara Kai o Wirihana, while also spending one day each week at Auckland Botanic Gardens. There, they will learn about the operation of one of Auckland's premier horticultural destinations, gaining insight into plant care, garden maintenance and visitor engagement. 

By being immersed in the kaupapa throughout an entire growing season, from spring through to winter, the interns will experience every stage of food production and market gardening. From planting and propagation through to harvesting, packing and selling produce, they will build practical skills while learning from highly experienced mentors. 

Tīpene and Cruz will also support education programmes with Manurewa High School students and help deliver community events, sharing their knowledge and inspiring others to connect with food growing and environmental stewardship.

For Manurewa High School Principal Peter Jones, Te Maara Kai o Wirihana is much more than a garden:

“It's a place where young people can learn, lead and build connections with their community. Seeing the programme create paid internship opportunities for rangatahi is a fantastic milestone and reflects how far the kaupapa has come."