Kia Ora!
We planted the seeds, they fed us sausages!
During the month of May, I looked to give back to the community of Dunedin. I found The Halo Project, which is a wide spread restoration project in Long Beach, Otago. When I was here, I learned more about the place I am in and what my work is contributing to. I also made some new friends. That day we planted many native species and since there was so many of us we got a lot of work done.
Within a day, we dug holes for the seedlings, planted them, and folded cardboard protective barriers to be placed around them. I appreciate the opportunity to give back to the community l am in even when I am far from home.
As one of 50 university students who were brought down to the Long Beach planting site, we helped plant a whopping 1450 seedlings in one day, as well as completing other gardening and environment restoration tasks. This mahi (work) contributed to Halo Project’s wider goals of forest restoration, dune protection, and habitat creation at Long Beach Recreation Reserve.
I also worked in the Otago student garden every weekend. During these days, I have learned of the consistency it takes to tend to a garden. We were always assigned a task, whether it was weeding, shoveling compost, or planting new crops. At the end, we all split the harvested vegetables to take home and include in out meals. I also connected deeper within this community, even when I’m abroad. Being in New Zealand is much like being in Hawaiʻi, the people and lifestyle are very similar. I met a lot of different people at the garden and we each contributed in our own way. Just by showing up and giving a helping hand, we accomplished a lot in the garden. It goes to show that no matter where you, you can make a difference.
Best,
Kahiau
(Faith)
