• Home
  • About
    • The farm
    • Our team
    • Supporters
    • Paddock development
    • Farming animals
  • Get Involved
    • Farm Dinners
    • Volunteer
    • Farm shop
    • Farmhands programme
    • School Visits >
      • Links & Resources for Distance Learning
    • Horticultural therapy
    • Visit & tours
    • Photo / Film Location
    • Corporate & team experiences
    • Meat pack sales
  • Workshops
  • Soil Factory
  • Contact
  • Donate
Kelmarna

workshop stash page

Picture
START FROM SCRATCH!
Raranga for Beginners​

​Weaving with Harakeke
Annie Jane Ah Mu (AKL Council / ACE Program)
Join celebrated weaving tutor Annie Jane Ah Mu for our first workshop session of the year, learning the basic techniques of traditional mahi raranga, the Māori art of weaving with harakeke NZ flax.

​This beginner course is an introduction to weaving that will guide you through the history, customs, and best horticulture practices around working with harakeke, and the skills to come away with a host of craft creations to take home and share!
Saturday 21 January 2023

​10am - 1pm

​SOLD OUT!​​
​$65 + Humanitix fee

Community Services Card
concession rate available​
Join the Waitlist
February Opportunity
Picture
NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED!
Beginner Home Gardening
Yotam Kay (Pākaraka Permaculture)
Come and learn everything you need to know to grow nutritious food for you, your family and community. In this comprehensive workshop with Yotam Kay (Pakaraka Permaculture ), we will cover all the essential topics that will help you grow a productive vegetable garden.

​No prior knowledge or experience is needed!
Saturday 15 October 2022

​9am - 4pm

Full Day Session​​
​$195 + Humanitix fee
More Info & Tickets
Picture
JUST LIKE NONNA'S!
Making Pasta by Hand

with STEFANIA UGOLINI of PASTA E CUORE
Stefania Ugolini (Pasta e Cuore)
Join chef Stefania Ugolini of Pasta e Cuore to get your hands in the mix and learn how to make fresh pasta in the time-honoured tradition of the kitchens and restaurants from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, and bring a container to take home the pasta you make.

Learn the importance of quality ingredients, how to mix, knead, and roll, cut basic shapes like tagliatelle, pappardelle, and taglioline, and how pasta should be stored and cooked for best results. Enjoy morning tea and discuss with Stefania the history, tradition, techniques, and pleasures of creating your own pasta by hand and from the heart.

This workshop is proudly presented in collaboration with Slow Food Auckland, celebrating locally grown and produced food that is good, clean, and fair.
Saturday 27 August 2022

​10am - 12pm

$120 + Humanitix fee
More Info & Tickets
Picture
Join us with your group!
Benefits of Biodiversity
🪁 Primary & Intermediate School Level
​The Village Green is our central community space, the only area where grass is favoured over cultivating food, and where we can gather together and spend time over kōrero and kai.

You are invited to make the most of your trip to the farm by taking the time to pause and relax in the space, park up on the Green for a picnic, or simply enjoy the farm outside of a structured activity. Learners are welcome to spend morning or afternoon tea breaks, lunch, or free time on the lawn and around the gardens.

This recreational opportunity is recommended to allow learners to connect with the environment on their own terms and at their own pace. Food and drink not provided. Certain organic scraps may be collected on site, otherwise all rubbish must be taken away.
Picture
PACIFIC CACAO BEANS!
Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Making

​with TOM HILTON of AO TIAKARETE
Tom Hilton (Ao Tiakarete)
Join Tom Hilton of Ao Tiakarete to explore the wonders of chocolate from a uniquely Aotearoa perspective. Learn from this 3 Michelin Star-experienced chocolatier how to use the whole bean, husk to nibs without any waste, using beans from the Pacific and infusing local rongoā-inspired ingredients straight from the garden to craft your own bar of delicious, decadent chocolate.

Enjoy a morning tea of coffee and cacao, with the option of hot chocolate prepared à la minute. Coated Pacific cacao beans and Ao Tiakarete chocolates will also be available to purchase after the session.

Added to meet popular demand, this workshop is an encore opportunity proudly presented in collaboration with Slow Food Auckland, celebrating locally grown and produced food that is good, clean, and fair.
Sunday 9 October 2022

​10am - 1pm

​$120 + Humanitix fee
More Info & Tickets
Picture
PACIFIC CACAO BEANS!
Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Making

​with TOM HILTON of AO TIAKARETE
Tom Hilton (Ao Tiakarete)
Join Tom Hilton of Ao Tiakarete to explore the wonders of chocolate from a uniquely Aotearoa perspective. Learn from this 3 Michelin Star-experienced chocolatier how to use the whole bean, husk to nibs without any waste, using beans from the Pacific and infusing local rongoā-inspired ingredients straight from the garden to craft your own bar of delicious, decadent chocolate.

Enjoy a morning tea of coffee and cacao, with the option of hot chocolate prepared à la minute. Coated Pacific cacao beans and Ao Tiakarete chocolates will also be available to purchase after the session.

This workshop is proudly presented in collaboration with Slow Food Auckland, celebrating locally grown and produced food that is good, clean, and fair.
Sunday 3 July 2022

​10am - 1pm

​$120 + Humanitix fee
SOLD OUT
Join the Waitlist
October Session Info!
Picture
NOSE-TO-TAIL DINING!
Cooking with the Odd Bits

with HANNAH MILLER of A LADY BUTCHER
Hannah Miller (A Lady Butcher)
Join A Lady Butcher, Hannah Miller in reimagining what can happen to the 'odd bits', and learn how to make the most of the whole animal for your next meal. Discover some of the wonders of offal, how it can be used, its beneficial nutrient profile, and work through recipes using lamb raised at Kelmarna Gardens.
​

Experience how to work with and favour the less usual parts, then taste the stunning results. While supplies last, add on a Kelmarna offal pack to your ticket so you can test these recipes for yourself at home.

This workshop is proudly presented in collaboration with Slow Food Auckland, celebrating locally grown and produced food that is good, clean, and fair.
Saturday 21 May 2022

9am - 12pm

General Admission​​
​$160 + Humanitix fee

GA + Offal Pack
$195 + Humanitix fee
More Info & Tickets
May 2022

Back to Top
Picture
SOLD OUT
Advanced Home Gardening
Yotam Kay (Pakaraka Permaculture)
To have a super productive garden is to do a lot of small things very well. Come and sharpen your skills in this comprehensive workshop for experienced gardeners with accomplished organic gardener and permaculturist Yotam Kay (Pakaraka Permaculture).
​

Whether you've been growing for 2, 3, or 10 seasons, there will be loads to learn from Yotam's professional experience, so bring a notebook, a pen, and all of your vegetable gardening questions!
Sunday 1 May 2022

​9am - 4pm

Full Day Session​​
​$195 + Humanitix fee
Join the Waitlist
Picture
SOLD OUT
Beginner Home Gardening
Yotam Kay (Pakaraka Permaculture)
Come and learn everything you need to know to grow nutritious food for you, your family and community. In this comprehensive workshop with Yotam Kay (Pakaraka Permaculture ), we will cover all the essential topics that will help you grow a productive vegetable garden.

​No prior knowledge or experience is needed!
Saturday 30 April 2022

​9am - 4pm

Full Day Session​​
​$195 + Humanitix fee
Join the Waitlist
Picture
WITH THE RE-CREATORS!
Make a Worm Farm from Pallets

​
The Re-Creators @ Kelmarna Gardens
The Re-Creators (Skills-Based Upcycling Workshops)
Join the renowned upcycling team, the ReCreators, at Kelmarna Gardens for this awesome opportunity to learn how to design and build your own wooden worm farm!

This woodworking session will guide you through the basics of using power tools to craft reclaimed wood from old pallets into a multi-tiered, fully-functional worm farm to add vermicompost to the awesome ways you upcycle organic waste in your garden!

​Join the fun, learn the skills, and come away with the ability to partner with worms to turn food and garden scraps into the richest natural fertilisers ever! Plus get a free bokashi bin to take home as well!

Made possible in part by funding from Auckland Council initiative Live Lightly | Noho Māmā
Sunday 10 April 2022

​10am - 2pm
​​
​$25 + Humanitix fee​
More Info & Tickets
Picture
Please note that currently everyone taking part in workshops is required to present a valid My Vaccine Pass to participate.

This is to help protect the large number of people, including many at-risk individuals, who use and benefit from our sp
ace in many different ways each week.
Read our full Vaccination Policy here
Read our Workshops Vaccination T&Cs
Picture
Please note that currently everyone involved in a corporate & team experience is required to present a valid My Vaccine Pass to take part on site.

This is to help protect the large number of people, including many at-risk individuals, who use and benefit from our sp
ace in many different ways each week.
Read our full Vaccination Policy here
Picture
Please note that currently everyone involved in a venue hire arrangement or location shoot is required to present a valid My Vaccine Pass to take part on site.

This is to help protect the large number of people, including many at-risk individuals, who use and benefit from our sp
ace in many different ways each week.
Read our full Vaccination Policy here
Picture
​Please note that a My Vaccine Pass is not required to make a casual visit, however casual visitors are limited in their activities on site and must follow essential precautions to help keep us all safe.

Please also note that anyone visiting with an organised group, for a garden tour, or as part of a venue hire arrangement is required to present a valid My Vaccine Pass in order to visit and take part.

This is to help protect the large number of people, including many at-risk individuals, who use and benefit from our sp
ace in many different ways each week.
​

Read our full Vaccination Policy here
Kelmarna Gardens at Traffic Light Setting: RED

​Under the COVID-19 Protection Framework traffic light system, Kelmarna is open with certain precautions and requirements:

Picture
Our Farm Shop is open for on-site shopping, to get your organic produce, seedlings, seeds and more! We are limiting the number of people inside the shop at one time, so please respect this when you arrive. Please check our Farm Shop page for more information and hours of operation.

Our community composting hub is open for drop-offs for Soil Factory members, to get your food scraps back into the soil and away from landfill! Please check the Soil Factory page for more information or to start composting with us!

Picture
We continue to have mandatory, site-wide precautions in place to help protect everyone involved at Kelmarna:
  • ​Face-coverings on at all times
  • Scanning in or signing in when visiting
  • 1m distancing, indoors and outdoors
  • Capacity limits for indoor spaces, and an emphasis on outdoor activities
  • If you are at all unwell, please stay home and seek official advice
  • If you are a Contact, please follow official advice
Keep up healthy habits

Picture
My Vaccine Pass verification is required for certain roles and activities, to help protect the large number of people, including at-risk individuals, who use and benefit from our space in many different way each week. People in the following roles will need to be able to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 with a My Vaccine Pass:
  • ​All staff and contractors
  • All volunteer roles
  • All workshop facilitators and participants
  • All organised groups, garden tours, & venue hirers
Read our full Vaccination Policy here

We are delighted to be able to welcome more people back on-site! Thank you for your understanding, your support, and for helping to keep us safe and stop the spread!

He waka eke noa
Picture
WITH THE RE-CREATORS!
Upcycled Gardens for Small Spaces​

​
The Re-Creators @ Kelmarna Gardens
The Re-Creators (Skills-Based Upcycling Workshops)
Join the renowned upcycling team, the ReCreators, at Kelmarna Gardens for this awesome opportunity to learn how to construct space-saving pieces for your garden!

This woodworking session will guide you through the basics of using power tools to craft reclaimed wood into a charming and practical garden planter ladder that makes the most of growing in a small space.

​Join the fun, learn the skills, and come away with the ability to get more out of your small space without harming the environment or your wallet!

Made possible in part by funding from Auckland Council initiative Live Lightly | Noho Māmā

Saturday 2 April 2022

​1pm - 5pm
​​
​$25 + Humanitix fee​
More Info & Tickets
Picture
Please note that currently all volunteers are required to present a valid My Vaccine Pass before starting volunteering.

This is to help protect the large number of people, including many at-risk individuals, who use and benefit from our sp
ace in many different ways each week.
Read our full Vaccination Policy here
What will I learn and do?

You will learn skills and gain confidence in many of the aspects involved in running a small market garden operation or production-focused home garden, including:
​
  • Soil health - the principles and practice of building healthy soils

  • Propagation - seed sowing, watering, and pricking out

  • Planting - bed preparation, transplanting, and direct sowing

  • Weeding, and processing noxious weeds into future fertility

  • Harvesting all kinds of produce and preparation for sale

  • Composting - making hot compost from garden material and community food scraps, and an introduction to worm farming, and bokashi

  • Food forest - an introduction to the principles and practice of managing a productive food forest
    ​
  • Animal care - chicken care, and introduction to livestock care

  • ​Preparing shared lunch from the gardens

  • & more!
​
Picture
SOLD OUT
Edible Aotearoa, with Mamakan
​

An Intro to NZ Foraging - Afternoon Session
Mamakan (Mamakan Studio / Arcuna)
Do you see food when you stroll through the NZ bush? Join botanical artist and 'gastrogeographer' Mamakan for this introductory foraging course, designed to bring you closer to the flora of New Zealand, including a bush walk and generous assortment of tastings, to help you uncover and delight in the amazing edible environment unique to Aotearoa.
Saturday 19 February 2022

​1.30pm - 15.00pm
​​
​$55 + Humanitix fee
Join the Waitlist
Check Out the AM Session!
Picture
MORNING SESSION!
Edible Aotearoa, with Mamakan
​

An Intro to NZ Foraging - Morning Session
Mamakan (Mamakan Studio / Arcuna)
Do you see food when you stroll through the NZ bush? Join botanical artist and 'gastrogeographer' Mamakan for this introductory foraging course, designed to bring you closer to the flora of New Zealand, including a bush walk and generous assortment of tastings, to help you uncover and delight in the amazing edible environment unique to Aotearoa.
Saturday 19 February 2022

​10am - 11.30am
​​
​$55 + Humanitix fee
More Info & Tickets
Picture
NEW WEEKDAY SESSION!
Mushrooms in Containers (Weekday Session)
Ellen Schindler (Tiny Footprint)
Kick off the new year with this awesome opportunity to join us at Kelmarna Gardens for this crash course in growing delectable NZ native oyster mushrooms easily at home! 

This three-hour session with Ellen Schindler (Tiny Footprint) includes an extensive introduction to mushroom cultivation and guided instruction through the process of setting up a container with NZ native oyster mushrooms. Come along and come away with a completed container to get growing!
Wednesday 12 January 2022

4pm - 7pm
​​
​$70 + Humanitix fee

Community Services Card
​concession rate available
More Info & Tickets
Picture
NEW FAMILY SESSION!
Mushrooms in Containers (Family Session)
Ellen Schindler (Tiny Footprint)
Looking for something to do with your child over the summer holidays? Join us at Kelmarna Gardens for this crash course in growing NZ native oyster mushrooms, and make it a fun family project to grow healthy, delicious mushrooms together at home! 

This two-hour session with Ellen Schindler (Tiny Footprint) includes an overview of mushrooms to get your young one intrigued, then guided instruction through the hands-on process of setting up a container to get them invested in their NZ native oyster mushrooms.

Come along and come away with a completed container to get growing, plus inspire your family to value nutritious food and find fascination in fungus while spending quality time together!
Wednesday 12 January 2022

1.30pm - 3.30pm

1 Child & 1 Adult​​ (Pair)
​$60 + Humanitix fee

Community Services Card
​concession rate available
More Info & Tickets
    Choose all that apply
    Choose all that apply
    Tell us a bit about your project
Submit
Picture
SOLD OUT
Mushrooms in Containers 101

Sunday Afternoon Session
Ellen Schindler (Tiny Footprint)
Added to meet popular demand, here's another opportunity to join us at Kelmarna Gardens for this crash course in growing NZ native oyster mushrooms! 

This three-hour session with Ellen Schindler (Tiny Footprint) includes the materials and instruction to guide you step-by-step through the process of setting up a container with NZ native oyster mushrooms and allows you to come away with a finished container to take home and get growing!
Sunday 5 December 2021

​1.30pm - 4.30pm
​​
​$68 + Humanitix fee
( SOLD OUT )

Community Services Card
​concession rate available
Join the Wait List
COVID-19 Update: Kelmarna Gardens at Alert Level 3, Step 2

​Under Alert Level 3, Step 2 in Auckland, Kelmarna is now open again for certain activities. This means:

Picture
​​
​We are now selling produce through our on-site Farm Shop again. No need to order in advance, just call in and see what we have. We are limiting the number of people inside the shop at one time, so please respect this when you arrive.

Normal shop opening hours resume from Wednesday 17th November onwards, please check our Farm Shop page for more information.

Picture

​​​Everyone is asked to wear a face-covering when visiting the site.

Picture


​Everyone is asked to sign in to help with contact tracing, either using the NZ COVID Tracer app with our unique QR Code, or using the alternative contact tracing system (pen-and-paper) available on-site as well.

Thank you for your understanding, your support, and your cooperation to help keep us safe and stop the spread!

Kia kaha
Picture
WITH THE RE-CREATORS!
Christmas Gift Woodworking
​

The Re-Creators @ Kelmarna Gardens
Buffie Mawhinney (The Re-Creators / KŌRERO)
Join the renowned upcycling team, the ReCreators, at Kelmarna Gardens for this Christmas gift workshop to learn how to make a fun, unique, and sustainable gift this holiday season!

This woodworking session will guide you through the basics of using power tools to craft reclaimed wood into a reimagined masterpiece. Join the fun, learn the skills, and come away with bespoke craft creations to take home and share!

Sunday 28 November 2021

​10am - 1pm
​​
​$25 + Humanitix fee​
More Info & Tickets
Picture
Private Group Bookings

See a session that you like? Already have a group of friends, family, or workmates ready to go? Get in touch to book a private workshop session for your group!

Private workshops are available for groups of adults and accompanied children, with group size, pricing, and specific requirements dependent on the session topic and presenter. Please fill out the Group Workshop form below to submit an enquiry for your squad!
Picture

    Please use this form to place your order, and we will follow up with payment instructions:

Submit
Picture
Growing & Blending Herbal Teas
Judy Keats (Kelmarna Gardens)
Explore the possibilities for growing herbal teas and learn everything you need to know to get started at home. You will forage for herbs, learn about cultivation and drying methods, explore medicinal benefits, brew your own blend of flavours, and finally choose two seedlings to take home with you to get started growing the ingredients on your own!
Saturday 5 February 2021

​10am - 12.30pm
​​
​$40 + Humanitix fee

Community Services Card
​concession rate vailable
More info and tickets
Picture
Common Ground

​Garden Histories of Aoteaora
Matt Morris (Author / University of Canterbury)
Author and community gardens activist Matt Morris talks about his new book Common Ground: Garden Histories of Aotearoa, in which he explores the history of New Zealand gardens from the first waka to today.

Find out more about Matt's ground-breaking work, ask questions of the author, and take the opportunity to come away with a copy of this beautiful book!
Saturday 13 November 2021

2pm - 3.30pm
​​
​Pay-What-You-Want


Proceeds support the Kelmarna
Gardens Education Programme
More Info & Tickets
COVID-19 Update: Kelmarna Gardens at Alert Level 4

​Due to the heightened alert level in place in Auckland, our gardens are closed during the planned restriction period, at least until 11:59pm Tuesday 21 September 2021, or otherwise in accordance with forthcoming official announcements. This means:

Picture
Our site and shop are closed to visitors and volunteers.

Only essential staff will be present in managed shifts to keep our gardens healthy, thriving, and a reliable source of nutritious, organic food for our community.

Picture
​We are currently selling produce by contactless delivery. This is available to local residents in postcodes 1011, 1021, and 1022 only.

Orders are managed through our online shop on Open Food Network here. Orders are open from 11am on Tuesdays, until 10pm on Wednesdays, for delivery on Friday.

Please sign up below to our mailing list to be notified when sales open each week.

Picture
​​All of our essential staff will continue to sign in to our site to help with contact tracing using our unique QR Code with the NZ COVID Tracer app, and everyone will be sure to follow all relevant guidelines, including maintaining appropriate physical distancing, following good hygiene measures, wearing face-coverings, and staying home if at all unwell or having any signs of illness.

Thank you for your understanding, your support, and your cooperation to help keep us safe and stop the spread!

Kia kaha
Picture
Edible Aotearoa, with Mamakan (Afternoon)
​

Spring Selection - Tarata, Mamaku & Kānuka
Mamakan (Mamakan Studio / Arcuna)
Do you see food when you stroll through the NZ bush? Join botanical artist and 'gastrogeographer' Mamakan for this introductory foraging course, designed to bring you closer to the seasonal flora of New Zealand, including a bush walk and tastings, to help uncover the amazing edible environment unique to Aotearoa.
​

Every 'Edible Aotearoa' session focuses on a seasonal selection of plant species that are at their best for the current time of year. This September workshop features Tarata, Mamaku & Kānuka. Click 'More Info & Tickets' to learn more!
Sunday 17 October 2021

​12.30pm - 2pm
​​
​$55 + Humanitix fee

Community Services Card
concession rate available​
More Info & Tickets
Picture
Edible Aotearoa, with Mamakan (Morning)
​

Spring Selection - Tarata, Mamaku & Kānuka
Mamakan (Mamakan Studio / Arcuna)
Do you see food when you stroll through the NZ bush? Join botanical artist and 'gastrogeographer' Mamakan for this introductory foraging course, designed to bring you closer to the seasonal flora of New Zealand, including a bush walk and tastings, to help uncover the amazing edible environment unique to Aotearoa.
​

Every 'Edible Aotearoa' session focuses on a seasonal selection of plant species that are at their best for the current time of year. This September workshop features Tarata, Mamaku & Kānuka. Click 'More Info & Tickets' to learn more!
Sunday 17 October 2021

​10am - 11.30am
​​
​$55 + Humanitix fee

Community Services Card
concession rate available​
More Info & Tickets
Picture
Intro to Beekeeping & Planting for Bees
Carol Downer (Auckland Beekeepers Club)
Have you ever thought about working with bees? Are you curious about what it means to keep bees or what other ways there are to support these precious pollinators? Join Kelmarna's own veteran beekeeper, Carol Downer, for this comprehensive introduction to beekeeping designed to give you everything you need to understand the trade and connect with the tools to transform your relationship with bees.

Sunday 12 September 2021​

10.30am - 12.00pm
​​
Pay What You Want

​Virtual Event, Hosted via Zoom
More Info & Tickets
Jump Back to the Top
Virtual Tour of Kelmarna
Bookings & Enquiries
Local Learning Hub

COVID-19: Kelmarna Gardens at Alert Level 1
​


Picture
​​​
​All staff, volunteers, and visitors are asked to be mindful of reasonable physical distancing, that everyone wash hands as frequently as needed, to feel free to 
wear a mask or face-covering, and importantly to stay home if unwell or having any signs of illness.

Picture

​​​All staff, volunteers, and visitors are asked to sign in to our site to help with contact tracing. Our unique QR Code is posted onsite for you to check in using the NZ COVID Tracer app.

July 2021

Back to Top
Picture
SOLD OUT
Mushrooms in Containers 101
Ellen Schindler (Tiny Footprint)
Join us at Kelmarna Gardens for this crash course in growing NZ native oyster mushrooms. This three-hour session with Ellen Schindler (Tiny Footprint) includes the materials and instruction to guide you step-by-step through the process of setting up a container with NZ native oyster mushrooms and allows you to come away not only with a finished container but also the skills and confidence to keep up the good work at home on your own!
Saturday 31 July 2021

​9.30am - 12.30pm
​​
​$68 + Eventbrite fee

Community Services Card
​concession rate available
Check Out the 5/9 Session
Harvest Helpers (Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 9am - 11am - or flexible timings)

We're looking for a few awesome people to lend a hand with our harvesting in the middle of the week, ideally on a fairly regular basis (e.g. every Wednesday morning).

Harvesting is a big part of the work on a small vegetable farm, and you'll be helping us to gather produce for restaurant orders and our farm shop. Both of these generate valuable income to support the running of the gardens.

Timings on this role are pretty flexible - if you could help out later in the day on a Wednesday or Thursday, for anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, please get in touch. If you help out around lunchtime then lunch will be included too.
Click here to apply for the Farmhands programme
Administrative helper (anytime Mondays - Fridays, 8.30 - 4.30pm)

We are looking for a reliable volunteer to help us keep on top of small amounts of regular administration. The role will start with data entry and other basic admin tasks, for an hour or two per week, with potential to grow to include more advanced office-based tasks if this suits the volunteer.

The right volunteer for this role needs to have basic computer skills and a good eye for detail. After initial training in our systems, most of this could be done from home if desired.

Picture
Permaculture Gardening for Beginners (4-Part Series)
Adrian Roche (Kelmarna Gardens)
PART 4 - Harvesting, Seed Saving & Food Forest Basics

This fourth and final part of our permaculture series will focus on sustainable harvesting practises, closing the loop by saving seeds, and some basics considerations for keeping a food forest. You will practice basic techniques for getting the most from your crops and how to get started with seed saving. You will then have a chance to wander the food forest and discuss what kinds of species are well-suited to our local climate.

We
 will revisit for the last time the three fundamental process that you started in Part 1 to take away important lessons that you can apply in your garden, and you will learn how to prick out your seedlings, pot them up, and take some with you to start your own processes at home!

​This is the final of a 4-part beginner permaculture gardening series.
Sunday 27 June 2021

​9am - 12pm
​​
Full 4-Part Series
​$160 + Humanitix fee
( available now )

Part 4 Single Session
$45 + Humanitix fee
​( available from 10 May 2021 )


More Info & Tickets
Picture
Permaculture Gardening for Beginners (4-Part Series)
Adrian Roche (Kelmarna Gardens)
PART 3 - Garden Maintenance & Weed Management

This third part will focus on maintaining the health of the garden and controlling unwanted or non-beneficial elements. You will wander the gardens and practice 'diagnosing' different plots to help understand what goes on and what can be done. You will identify weeds, practice basic tools and methods for managing them, and learn about the impacts of annual weeds and systems for controlling more tenacious pest plants. 

​
We will also revisit the three fundamental process started in Part 1 to check for any changes, reflect on their progress, and get hands on to address any issues you discover.


​This is the third of a 4-part beginner permaculture gardening series.

Sunday 20 June 2021

​9am - 12pm
​​
Full 4-Part Series
​$160 + Humanitix fee
( available now )

Part 3 Single Session
$45 + Humanitix fee
​( available from 10 May 2021 )


More Info & Tickets
Picture
Permaculture Gardening for Beginners (4-Part Series)
Adrian Roche (Kelmarna Gardens)
PART 2 - Soil Health & Fertility

This second session will focus on the importance of soil and maintaining the health of our soil as the cornerstone of organic and permaculture gardening. You will get you hands in the dirt covering green manure, rotating crops, nitrogen fixing, will consider the impacts of disturbing and compacting the soil, and how to generate fertilisers through composting, worm farming, and bokashi.

We will also revisit the three fundamental process started in Part 1 to check for any changes, reflect on their progress, and get hands on to address any issues you discover.

​This is the second of a 4-part beginner permaculture gardening series.


Sunday 13 June 2021

​9am - 12pm
​​
Full 4-Part Series
​$160 + Humanitix fee
( available now )

Part 2 Single Session
$45 + Humanitix fee
​( available from 10 May 2021 )

More Info & Tickets
Picture
Permaculture Gardening for Beginners (4-Part Series)
Adrian Roche (Kelmarna Gardens)
PART 1 - Propagation, Planting & Composting

This first session will introduce the principles of permaculture and invite you to share about your experience, your site, and your objectives in the garden. You will then start to learn how to put into practice a whole systems thinking approach for planning a garden, from crop species and seasonality to spacing and plant pairings.

Your group will start three fundamental, practical process that you will continue to monitor over the 4-part series, including planting seedlings, sowing seeds, and making compost. 

This is the first of a 4-part beginner permaculture gardening series.
Sunday 6 June 2021

​9am - 12pm
​​
Full 4-Part Series
​$160 + Humanitix fee
( available now )

Part 1 Single Session
$45 + Humanitix fee
​( available from 10 May 2021 )

More Info & Tickets
Picture
Part 3: Cooking with Ferments, with Tracy & Soane
Dr Tracy Berno (AUT) & Soane Pasi (Pacific Food Lab)
Get creative in the kitchen with local chefs Tracy and Soane to explore how ferments can be used to enhance your home cooking. French-trained chef Soane Pasi will lead you in learning useful techniques you can use and combine in your own kitchen. 

This session includes a group meal at the end featuring a full lunch spread incorporating each of the ferments. There will be lots to learn and plenty of food to go around! So bring all of your questions plus a keen appetite!

​This is the final of a 3-part fermentation series.
Sunday 16 May 2021

​10am - 1pm
​​
​Full 3-Part Course
$160 + Eventbrite fee

Part 3 Single Session
​$70 + Eventbrite fee


More Info & Tickets
Picture
Mushrooms on Logs - Grain Spawn Method
Ellen Schindler (Distinct)
Join us for this 3-hour skills-focused workshop to learn all about growing mushrooms, how to prepare grain spawn, then work step-by-step through creating your own inoculated log to take home at the end!

This workshop focuses on the ‘grain spawn method’ of growing native NZ oyster mushrooms on logs. Find out how this method can be considerably cheaper than using wooden dowels, and get to know the distinct technique which requires a bit more preparation and hands-on experience. 

Saturday 15 May 2021

​9.30am - 12.30pm
​​
​$65 + Humanitix fee

Community Services Card concession rate available
More Info & Tickets
Picture
Part 2: Advanced Fermenting, with Tracy & Soane
Dr Tracy Berno (AUT) & Soane Pasi (Pacific Food Lab)
Join local chefs Tracy and Soane to explore more deeply the art and science of fermenting for extending the longevity of food, boosting nutrition, and enhancing flavour! 

Learn how to utilise everyday home-kitchen equipment and get chopping, mixing, soaking, grinding, and baking to discover creative ways to transform simple ingredients into delicious ferments. Get ready to go beyond vegetables, and try fermenting so much more!

​This is the second of a 3-part fermentation series.
Sunday 2 May 2021

​10am - 12pm
​​
​Full 3-Part Course
$160 + Eventbrite fee


Part 2 Single Session
​$60 + Eventbrite fee


More Info & Tickets
Picture
Part 1: Fundamental Fermenting, with Tracy & Soane
Dr Tracy Berno (AUT) & Soane Pasi (Pacific Food Lab)
Local chefs Tracy and Soane will guide you to gain the confidence and know-how to make a variety of nutritious and delicious ferments at home on your own!

Start with the basics for making simple ferments and get hands-on to make your own sauerkraut from scratch! Check out how to cultivate your own whey active starter, then learn how to put it to good use to ferment seasonal fruits and vegetables.

​This is the first of a 3-part fermentation series.
Sunday 18 April 2021

​10am - 12pm
​​
​Full 3-Part Course
$160 + Eventbrite fee

Part 1 Single Session
​$50 + Eventbrite fee


More Info & Tickets
Picture
Fruit Trees - Pruning, Planting & Guilds
Judy Keats (Kelmarna Gardens)
This workshop with Judy Keats is your seasonal crash course for fruit tree care. Our food forest will be your outdoor laboratory to learn and practise how to make the most of this time of year so that your trees are in the best shape to continue thriving for seasons to come!

Get hands-on and ask all of your questions while examining tree shape and condition, inspecting new versus old wood, discussing pest and disease management, considering companion understory plants, and more!
Saturday 17 April 2021

​9.30am - 12.30pm
​​
​$50 + Humanitix fee

Community Services Card concession rate available
More Info & Tickets
Picture
Mushrooms in Containers 101 (PM)
Ellen Schindler (Distinct)
Added to meet popular demand, this extra afternoon session will let you join Ellen Schindler (Distinct) for a crash course in growing NZ native oyster mushrooms in containers!

This three-hour skills-focused workshop is perfect for anyone keen to try their hand at growing mushrooms in a controlled environment at home, including the materials and instruction to get set up and walk away with a container of your own!
Sunday 11 April 2021

​1.30pm - 4.30pm
​​
​$60 + Eventbrite fee

Community Services Card concession rate available
More Info & Tickets
Picture
Mushrooms in Containers 101 (AM)
Ellen Schindler (Distinct)
Join us at Kelmarna Gardens for a crash course in growing NZ native oyster mushrooms with Ellen Schindler (Distinct). This workshop is perfect for anyone keen to try their hand at growing mushrooms in a controlled environment at home, , including the materials and instruction to get set up and walk away with a container of your own!
Sunday 11 April 2021

​9.30am - 12.30pm
​​
​$60 + Eventbrite fee

Community Services Card concession rate available
More Info & Tickets
Picture
Banana Growing & Cooking 101
Ellen Schindler (Distinct) & Sue Rajaguru (Dignan Street)
Join us at Kelmarna Gardens for a crash course with Ellen Schindler and Sue Rajaguru on how to establish a banana circle and make the most of banana plants in the kitchen. You will come away knowing how to grow them, how to care for them, and how to savour every last bit of the plant! Come ready to take notes, ask questions, and share in a group tasting of each banana dish.

To help get started with your banana project, you can preorder a certified organic banana pup with your ticket, ready to take home after the workshop. So be sure to register with a ‘+ Banana Pup’ ticket option to secure one of your own!
Saturday 10 April 2021

​10am - 2pm
​​
$70 + Eventbrite fee

Ticket + banana pup
​$86 + Eventbrite fee


Community Services Card concession rate available
More Info & Tickets
Picture
Beginner Home Gardening
Yotam Kay (Pakaraka Permaculture)
Come and learn everything you need to know to start growing nutritious food for you, your family, and community.

​In this comprehensive workshop, Yotam Kay (Pakaraka Permaculture) will cover essential topics and answer your project specific questions to help you succeed in growing a productive vegetable garden. 
No prior knowledge or experience is needed!
Saturday 13 March 2021

​9am - 4.30pm
​​
​$165 + Eventbrite fee
More Info & Tickets
COVID-19 Update: Kelmarna Gardens at Alert Level 2

Picture

​Our site and shop are open to visitors and volunteers with appropriate measures in place, including maintaining physical distancing of at least 1 metre, and to not exceed 10 people in spaces where distancing is not possible (such as indoors).

Picture

​​​Everyone is asked to bring a face-covering and to wear it when talking or working with others, indoors, or when
moving around the site.

Picture
​​
​Everyone is asked to practice
 good hygiene measures, including washing hands as frequently as needed, helping keep surfaces clean, managing coughs and sneezes into the elbow, and staying home if at all unwell or having any signs of illness.

Picture

​Everyone is asked to sign in to our site to help with contact tracing, either using the NZ COVID Tracer app with our unique QR Code, or using the alternative contact tracing system (pen-and-paper) available on-site as well.

Thank you for your understanding, your support, and your cooperation to help keep us safe and stop the spread!

Kia kaha
Example A:
​2 Hour One-Off Visit​


Opening Hui  |  10mins
-Arrival and gathering on the main lawn
-Welcome and introductions
-Overview of rules, behaviour expectations, and other housekeeping
-Introduce topics and divide into block groups

Block Activity 1  |  25mins
-Each group participates in one of the three block activities

Block Activity 2  |  25mins 
-Each group rotates to participate in a new block activity

Free Time  |  25mins
-Learners are free to take a break, enjoy the gardens, and explore on their own while maintaining a respect for the rules and behaviour expectations

Block Activity 3  |  25mins 
-Each group reconvenes to participate in their final block activity

Closing Hui  |  10mins
-Everyone gathers back at the main lawn to review, reflect on, and share their experiences in the garden
-Thanks and departure
​Example B:
​3 Hour One-Off Visit​ (with Lunchtime)


Opening Hui  |  10mins
-Arrival and gathering on the main lawn
-Welcome and introductions
-Overview of rules, behaviour expectations, and other housekeeping
-Introduce topics and divide into block groups

Block Activity 1  |  30mins
-Each group participates in one of the three block activities

Block Activity 2  |  30mins 
-Each group rotates to participate in a new block activity

Water Break  |  10mins
-Learners are free to take a quick break, rehydrate, and enjoy the gardens for a few minutes before diving into the final activity

Block Activity 3  |  30mins 
-Each group reconvenes to participate in their final block activity

Closing Hui  |  10mins
-Everyone gathers back at the main lawn to review, reflect on, and share their experiences in the garden
-Thanks and conclusion

Lunchtime  |  60mins
-Learners are free to enjoy their lunch on the village green, take a break, and explore the whole of the garden on their own while maintaining a respect for the rules and behaviour expectations
Example C:
​1 Hour Regular Visit​

​
Opening Hui  |  10mins
-Arrival and gathering on the main lawn
-Overview of rules and behaviour expectations
-Review previous concepts and experiences
-Introduce new topics and divide into activity groups


Warm Up Activity  |  15mins
-Each group participates in a warm up activity, rotating to do a different warm-up than their previous visit

Main Activity  |  25mins 
-Each group participates in their main activity

Closing Hui  |  10mins
-Everyone gathers back at the main lawn to review, reflect on, and share their experiences in the garden
-Thanks and departure
Picture

Charges

Delivering worthwhile educational experiences requires planning, coordination, and a dedicated Education Team to ensure that we can provide your learners with an awesome experience in a safe and inspiring environment. We use a tiered pricing system to help make opportunities as accessible as possible to groups of all sizes and learners of all ages and levels.

All funds generated by the our programme contribute directly to operational costs, including staff and volunteer time, maintaining and renewing resources, managing educational opportunities, and sustaining our community space. Charges and rates listed below are GST exclusive.
​
Picture
Visit Our Shop for Organic Produce!
Picture
Sign Up for Our eNewsletter!
Picture
Check Out our Schedule!
Picture
Volunteer with Us in the Garden!
Picture
Discover Nature-Based Learning!
Picture
Take a Virtual Tour of the place!
Powered by Eventbrite
Thanks to all of our awesome supporters.

Waitemata Local Board
​Soar Print
Orphans Kitchen
Bread and Butter Cafe
Nature Baby

Ponsonby News
Organic Mechanic
Compost Collective
Gardens 4 Health
Little Bird Organics
​Millers Coffee
Green Is The Thing
Serious Popcorn
​Almighty Juices
​Sunday Best
White Refrigeration
Worksafe Services
​
Humming Gardens
* indicates required
I want to receive information about:
Kelmarna Gardens Community Farm
Charities registration CC51662
  • Home
  • About
    • The farm
    • Our team
    • Supporters
    • Paddock development
    • Farming animals
  • Get Involved
    • Farm Dinners
    • Volunteer
    • Farm shop
    • Farmhands programme
    • School Visits >
      • Links & Resources for Distance Learning
    • Horticultural therapy
    • Visit & tours
    • Photo / Film Location
    • Corporate & team experiences
    • Meat pack sales
  • Workshops
  • Soil Factory
  • Contact
  • Donate