Nine To Noon The community organisation boosting food resilience
Mar 15, 2026
Diana Donka, community coordinator who runs workshops and volunteer coordination. Jizzy (Jessie) Green, co-founder who started a backyard seedling and skills-sharing project in 2020. They discuss how a lockdown seed-donation idea grew into monthly seed swaps, a rent-free shed hub, inclusive support for vulnerable and new gardeners, workshops on nature-friendly gardening, and a how-to manual for other communities.
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Lockdown Seedlings Sparked a Community Garden Movement
- Grow On Katikati started during the 2020 lockdown when local volunteers sowed seedlings donated by a seed supplier to address food shortages.
- Membership grew from ~30 after year one to 115 paying members who receive unlimited seedlings, seeds, and workshop discounts.
Community Connection Became As Important As Food
- The project became more than food supply—it evolved into a social hub meeting diverse needs from newcomers to people living in vans.
- Diana Donka says the group fills a community gap by offering a place for gardening chat, skills exchange, and social connection.
Host Regular Volunteer-Run Swap Mornings
- Run regular open sessions with volunteers to welcome people, troubleshoot garden problems, and facilitate seed/seedling swaps.
- Grow On Katikati operates Saturday drop-ins (9:30–11) with a couple hundred seedlings available and volunteer help.