“KOI was born out of some zealous gardeners and charismatic composters who want to see change in how nutritious food is made available, accessed, and used in our community. It is a food resilience project to enable health benefits for people who, for whatever reason, have difficulty accessing resources. 

KOI recently received a grant from KCDC to start a food waste collection service. By nudging the community into reducing their waste to landfill, being available for workshops, and passionately conducting our business in the community, we will actively be promoting the change our community and environment need in terms of waste management.

We have two urban farm sites, one at L’Arche in Tongariro Street and another at the He Tangata Community opposite Boat City. At both gardens we have been using repurposed products (blue plumbing pipe from West Coast Plumbing) which has been a vital resource for us.

By supporting us, West Coast Plumbing have helped us to gift $5,000 worth of organic fresh vegetables for our community. We have also diverted 20 tonnes of waste from landfill, provided community engagement for 5 volunteers and started an additional urban farm to provide commercial support for our initiative. We couldn’t do what we do without support from local people and businesses and so are very appreciative of the help from West Coast Plumbing.”