They benefit individuals by giving people access to fresh, organic produce, by promoting physical activity, and by stimulating learning and adding to a person’s knowledge and expertise. Community gardens also have social benefits through promoting community interaction, providing a venue to meet new people and building a sense of community. The campus community gardens are part of about a dozen community gardens in Christchurch.
UC has two community gardens:
- Te Ngaki o Waiutuutu (Waiutuutu Community Garden) based on Ilam campus
- Dovedale Community Garden based on Dovedale campus
Benefits of Community Gardens
Growing your own food is also better than buying it. It reduces the environmental costs associated with transportation and storage, and food will also be fresher and tastier. There is also the satisfaction you get from growing your own produce.
By participating in the community garden you also have a chance to learn about sustainable gardening techniques which you can apply in your own garden at home.
The community garden is an excellent place to put sustainable theory into practice. You learn by doing, and have fun and meet new people at the same time. As an added bonus, you can take your share of the fresh produce harvested that day!
Vision and Mission Statement
The vision of UC's community gardens is "a thriving garden that cultivates both food and minds, fostering education, sustainability, and a sense of belonging for all."
The mission of UC's community gardens is "to engage the community in sustainable gardening practices, provide educational opportunities, and create an inclusive space where people come together to grow food, share knowledge, and build connections."
Become a community gardens volunteer
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Waiutuutu Community Garden
Te Ngaki o Waiutuutu
Te Ngaki o Waiutuutu | Waiutuutu Community Garden was established in 2002 as an informal recreation and learning space for students, staff, and anyone else associated with the university. All interested people can come along and help out in the garden, learn new skills, and meet new people. Learn more about our Waiutuutu Community Garden and how to get involved.
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Waiutuutu Community Garden
Te Ngaki o Waiutuutu
Te Ngaki o Waiutuutu | Waiutuutu Community Garden was established in 2002 as an informal recreation and learning space for students, staff, and anyone else associated with the university. All interested people can come along and help out in the garden, learn new skills, and meet new people. Learn more about our Waiutuutu Community Garden and how to get involved.
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Waiutuutu Community Garden
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Dovedale Community Garden
The Dovedale Community Garden is currently used by Waiutuutu community gardeners as a satellite garden to grow staple crops. Learn more.
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Dovedale Community Garden
The Dovedale Community Garden is currently used by Waiutuutu community gardeners as a satellite garden to grow staple crops. Learn more.
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Dovedale Community Garden
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Become a volunteer
Anyone associated with UC or living nearby is welcome to volunteer in either of the community gardens. Regardless of your experience or interests, there's always something to do. Find out how to become a volunteer.
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Become a volunteer
Anyone associated with UC or living nearby is welcome to volunteer in either of the community gardens. Regardless of your experience or interests, there's always something to do. Find out how to become a volunteer.
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Become a volunteer
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Community garden history
The Kākāriki Environment Club first proposed the idea of starting a community garden on campus in late 2000. Read about our community garden history.
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Community garden history
The Kākāriki Environment Club first proposed the idea of starting a community garden on campus in late 2000. Read about our community garden history.
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Community garden history
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How it works
The vision of UC's community gardens is to create an attractive, living campus that's transitioning into a resilient, edible biophilic landscape. Our mission is to nurture a community of people who grow and share food, and use their knowledge to influence campus design and policy. Find out how it works.
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How it works
The vision of UC's community gardens is to create an attractive, living campus that's transitioning into a resilient, edible biophilic landscape. Our mission is to nurture a community of people who grow and share food, and use their knowledge to influence campus design and policy. Find out how it works.
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How it works
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Gardening resources
You can use our online resources to learn more about community gardens, food resilience, permaculture, organics, and biodynamic gardening. Check out our gardening resources.
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Gardening resources
You can use our online resources to learn more about community gardens, food resilience, permaculture, organics, and biodynamic gardening. Check out our gardening resources.
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Gardening resources
