Since opening its gates on 25 May 2024, the Hanley’s Farm Community Garden has blossomed into far more than just a place to grow vegetables. It’s become a vibrant hub of connection, learning, and sustainability—bringing together over 150 members of all ages, from toddlers to retirees.
Built by the team at RCL and now lovingly maintained by the Hanley’s Farm community, the garden has already seen incredible growth. Broccoli, beans, cauliflower, lettuce, tomatoes, watermelon—even a crop of curiously named “Yummy UFOs”—have flourished here. With 30 heritage fruit trees now bearing fruit and surplus produce regularly donated to Queenstown charities like Happiness House and Baskets of Blessings, the garden is nourishing more than just those who planted it.
But the garden’s impact doesn’t stop at food. It’s also a hands-on classroom for local schools, youth groups, and sustainability workshops—giving young people and the wider community the opportunity to connect with nature, learn new skills, and contribute to something meaningful.
Thanks to support from RCL Group, local Mitre10 and Bunnings stores, the garden has come a long way. Now, the community garden committee hope to grow the garden even further. As a group set-up and run by volunteers, every dollar counts.
The committee have created a fundraising page to help raise money in the first instance for:
• Seeds and seedlings
• Compost and fertiliser
• Tools and essential equipment
And they have future plans to be able to fund:
• Free community workshops on gardening and sustainable living
• A Kai pantry to support families in need
• A seed bank to empower local growers
• Training opportunities for at-risk youth
Every contribution, big or small, helps the garden thrive and ensures it remains a place of connection and care for all who visit.
If you would like to contribute, you can do so on the fundraising page:
https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/hanleys-farm-community-garden
If you would like to get involved with the community garden, you can fill out the online form here.