Urban farming in Christchurch
Vegetables are thriving in what was earthquake rubble in Christchurch. Cultivate Christchurch is an urban farming project producing more than lettuces, while growing opportunities for young people.
Co-founded by ecologist Bailey Peryman and youth advocate Fiona Stewart, it supplies produce to 22 restaurants in the city, in turn collecting their food waste to feed the soil. Passersby can also buy produce from the farm gate.
So far 25 young people have completed Urban Farm Hand internships. It means they have a place where they can connect to the land and to each other and have a sense of purpose, Stewart says.
“A plant will always strive to be the best version of itself. Our role as farmers and gardeners is to create the conditions that allow that to happen. The same goes for nurturing people.” — Bailey Peryman
Cultivate wants to move into the red zone, where it’s applied to farm a large site.
Peryman says he regularly welcomes visitors from other cities, who are keen to follow Cultivate’s lead.
Cultivate’s story has been brought to life by Frank Film, the documentary making company owned by celebrated filmmaker, Gerard Smyth. Smyth and his team, which includes well known journalist Jendy Harper and editor Oliver Dawe, share South Island-based stories of national interest. Their latest series - Current Affairs from the South - is funded by New Zealand on Air.
Check the Frank Film website every Monday for a fresh story.
