Peter Jolland from Pakuranga Club leads the blueprint on Vegepod in mobilising numbers of intermediate or secondary school across New Zealand even international counterparts.
Peter Jolland from Pakuranga Club leads the blueprint on Vegepod in mobilising numbers of intermediate or secondary school across New Zealand even international counterparts. The following is the one of the examples to shine Rotary Environment initiatives:
Growing Our Own Kai with Vegepods - Bucklands Beach Intermediate School
Year 8 – The Garden Pioneers
At the beginning of the year, our Year 8 students kicked off the Vegepod project by researching which seasonal vegetables and herbs would thrive in our local conditions. Their research helped guide their choices when they visited Bunnings with their teacher to purchase plants and supplies.
Armed with enthusiasm and a shopping list, they selected a mix of seedlings and seeds to explore the process of germination and compare how different plants grow. Of course, a few bright, colourful flowers also made their way into the trolley – they simply couldn’t resist adding a touch of colour to their gardens!
Throughout the first two terms, the Year 8 students maintained their Vegepods and garden beds, watering regularly, removing weeds, and monitoring plant growth. Their efforts paid off when they were able to harvest a variety of vegetables and herbs at the end of Term 2, celebrating the rewards of their mahi and teamwork.
Year 7 – The Next Generation of Gardeners
In Term 3, the Year 7 students took over responsibility for the Vegepods. They began by inspecting the gardens, deciding which plants had finished their growing cycle and needed to be removed, and then researching what would grow best during the cooler months and into spring.
With careful planning and teamwork, they planted a new selection of seasonal herbs, vegetables, and strawberries. The excitement has been growing alongside the plants, especially as the strawberries have begun to fruit. The students are already looking forward to tasting the sweet results of their care and effort.
This ongoing project has helped both Year 7 and Year 8 students develop practical skills in sustainability, science, and teamwork, while also learning about kaitiakitanga—caring for and nurturing the environment around them.