Lottery funding sows seeds of sustainability in Waitaki garden
Waitaki Community Gardens sowing the seeds of community and sustainability
The Waitaki Community Gardens is at the heart of the small community of around 23,000 people, with a mission to share the joys of sustainable gardening with locals and touring visitors.
Supported by lottery funding from Te Puna Tahua Lottery Grants Board, the community garden hosts popular events and workshops throughout the year for those eager to learn about growing their own produce and reducing their environmental impact.
From humble beginnings over a decade ago, the garden has grown into a thriving hub of activity that attracts volunteers and students of all ages and backgrounds to work side by side, sharing knowledge and experiences and growing a sense of community alongside their lettuce and tomatoes.
Central to the garden's offerings is the ‘Seed to Table’ course - a hands-on permaculture workshop series designed to equip budding green-thumbs with essential skills for cultivating organic and productive gardens.
The garden not only brings the community together but also offers a refreshing antidote to today’s fast-paced, digital world.
With 100% of Lotto New Zealand profits being returned to funding Local Grants, every time you play a Lotto New Zealand game, you’re a Kiwi helping initiatives like the Waitaki Community Gardens foster a healthy, sustainable, and connected community.
Read more Local Grant recipient stories.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.5% Yes
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46.5% No
🚒 Our Fire and Emergency crews have been kept busy lately
And they’re once again reminding everyone: please don’t light fires when it’s windy.
Central Otago will move into a restricted fire season from 1 December 2025, which means anyone planning an outdoor fire will need to apply for a permit and plan ahead.
So we’d love to ask you — how do you make sure you’re being fire-safe at this time of year?
A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟
I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
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