Growing Skills, Sharing Spaces: Two February Gardening Workshops at Kai Rotorua

Kai Rotorua is hosting two hands-on February workshops that invite participants into the māra to grow practical gardening skills while deepening connections with soil, seeds, and the wider ecosystem. Whether you’re keen to build confidence growing from seed or curious about how gardening can better support local wildlife, these sessions offer relaxed, community-focused learning in action.

Sharing Our Spaces: Gardening to Welcome Wildlife

Saturday 7 February | 10.00am–12.30pm

This morning workshop explores how thoughtful gardening can support both people and the wildlife we share our environment with. Facilitated by Skye Smale, the session is grounded in permaculture principles and biodiversity-aware gardening practices.

Working together in the māra, participants will explore ideas such as reading the landscape over time, maintaining soil fertility without relying on store-bought inputs, choosing plants with multiple roles, and reducing the need for pesticides. The workshop also looks at how different plants and practices can invite—or discourage—local wildlife.

There’ll be a strong focus on supporting pollinators, birds, reptiles, and even some of our lesser-seen neighbours, including pekapeka-tou-roa (long-tailed bats). The session is designed to be accessible, practical, and grounded in real-world gardening decisions.

Tea and coffee will be available throughout, with a light shared lunch as part of the morning.

Rēhita mai i konei

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Seedling Propagation Workshop

Saturday 14 February | 1.00–3.00pm

This practical afternoon workshop focuses on the foundations of successful growing: starting strong from seed. Guided by Jemma Ostenfeld (The Eastern Field), participants will learn simple, effective techniques for raising healthy seedlings at home.

Together, you’ll work directly with seeds and soil—mixing a quality seed-raising blend, sowing a range of seeds, and unpacking the small but crucial details that make a real difference in early plant growth. The session is designed to build confidence, whether you’re completely new to seed raising or looking to refine your existing practice.

Expect plenty of hands-on time, space for questions, and learning through doing. You’ll head home with your own newly planted seedlings and the know-how to care for them in your own māra.

Afternoon tea and refreshments are provided.

Spaces are limited to keep the workshop interactive, so booking is essential

Rēhita mai i konei

Ngā mihi nui to Kai Rotorua for consistently creating welcoming spaces for learning, sharing, and growing together. Community-led events like these remind us of the power of the māra as a place for connection, care, and collective knowledge. Follow their Facebook page and check out their website to learn more about Kai Rotorua's kaupapa.