New Gardens for Avondale Intermediate

They say a little kindness can go a long way - and the past few months have reminded us just how true this sentiment is.

In 2021, we welcomed Avondale Intermediate into our whānau, as they kicked off their Garden to Table programme.

Now, thanks to the kindness of the local community, the school gardens have received a stunning makeover!

Over the course of several summer days, 22 volunteers, plus a handful of local builders and landscapers, came together to create a fantastic garden space, which will help educate, empower and nourish Avondale Intermediate students for many years to come.

Video Credit: Paul Menezes Creative

But, in the true spirit of kindness, the benefits will extend far beyond the school grounds - with the excess produce set to be shared with Kai Avondale - a food rescue programme that feeds the local community. One of their initiatives is the 'Breakfast Club', which provides students in five schools across the Avondale community with nutritious breakfasts before school.

This heartwarming community project was spearheaded by Kindness Collective Foundation (a charity on a mission to bring kindness to every Kiwi), and supported by our very own partner - Tui Garden Products, and our ambassador - Dan Mackay from Landscape Cartel, as well as Birdies Garden Products, Mitre 10, NZ Machine Hire, Central Landscapes Avondale, and Fonterra.

Photo Credit: The Kindness Collective

Already, the gardens have been well used and loved by Avondale students.

To date, the ākonga have harvested basil to make pesto, used fresh cabbage, carrots and courgettes in many of their dishes, and picked lettuce leaves for their sandwiches during lunch (which they enjoy whilst chilling at the tables in the garden area).

Photo Credit: The Kindness Collective