Growing Kiwi Gardeners

Helping Early Childhood Kaiako Grow Confident Young Gardeners

You know gardening with tamariki is important. You want to support tamariki to connect with nature, know where their food comes from, and develop a lifelong appreciation for sustainability. But finding the time, knowledge, resources, and confidence to create a successful gardening programme can feel overwhelming.

That’s where Growing Kiwi Gardeners comes in. Founded by Anita Croft in 2018, Growing Kiwi Gardeners helps early childhood kaiako across Aotearoa confidently embed meaningful, sustainable gardening experiences into their learning environments.

Our vision is simple: to enrich tamariki lives through gardening. When tamariki experience the joy of planting, growing, harvesting, and eating food they’ve grown themselves, that learning extends far beyond the garden. Tamariki take their excitement, knowledge, and curiosity home to their whānau, creating positive change within their wider communities.

Why work with Growing Kiwi Gardeners?

With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Anita understands the realities teachers face and how to make gardening achievable, engaging, and aligned with curriculum goals. What you can expect:

• Practical, achievable gardening ideas that work in early childhood settings
• Learning experiences linked to Te Whāriki
• Sustainable, low-waste approaches using repurposed materials where possible
• Support designed specifically for kaiako, centres, and tamariki in Aotearoa
• Proven strategies that build confidence for kaikao and curiosity in tamariki

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor of Teaching (Hons)(ECE)
• Master of Education with a focus on ECE and sustainability
• 20+ years of hands-on early childhood teaching and leadership experience
• Extensive experience supporting kaiako to successfully garden with tamariki

Programmes and Services

Gardening with Tamariki: Online Course

A self-paced online professional learning experience designed for busy kaiako who want to confidently introduce gardening into their centre curriculum. Perfect for centres anywhere in Aotearoa.

Includes:

• 6 in-depth learning modules• Video lessons
• Downloadable PDFs
• Curriculum-linked learning experiences
• Resource lists and step-by-step guidance
• Monthly gardening newsletters with seasonal advice
• Sowing and planting guides linked to maramataka

Gardening with Tamariki: In-Person Programme

Available in Christchurch and surrounding areas.Hands-on gardening sessions that support tamariki through the full growing journey—from sowing seeds to harvesting seasonal produce.

Sessions can be:

• Regular ongoing visits (subject to availability)
• One-off workshops
• Tailored to your centre’s needs

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Professional Learning and Development for Kaiako

Support your teaching team to confidently integrate gardening into your curriculum. PLD options include:

• In-person training in Ōtautahi/Christchurch
• Online learning for educators across Aotearoa
• Practical implementation support
• Sustainability-focused teaching strategies

Gardening Games and Learning Resources

Growing Kiwi Gardeners also offers educational gardening resources designed for young learners, including:

• Young Gardener Memory Game
• Young Gardener Flash Cards in English and Te Reo Māori

Designed and made in New Zealand, these resources are:

• 100% plastic-free• Engaging and hands-on
• Ideal for teaching food growing, gardening, and plant identification

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Let’s Help Tamariki Grow

You don’t need to figure out gardening alone. With the right support, your centre can create meaningful outdoor learning experiences that build confidence, connection, and lifelong sustainability habits.Growing Kiwi Gardeners is here to guide you every step of the way.

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