Trust students gain horticulture qualification

Rosemary Rippon speaks at the graduation of horticulture students at Matipo Community Garden. Photo / Stuart Munro

Eleven people were presented with certificates in horticulture at Whanganui's Matipo Community Garden on Thursday.

The eleven have done a year's study with tutors Eric Churton, Reg Dilloway and Taihape's Toby Schweikert. They received both National Certificates in Horticulture Level 3 and Agriculture New Zealand Certificates in Organic Horticulture Level 3.

Agriculture New Zealand area manager Gerard Karalus said they were a dedicated bunch.

"The development of these people has been outstanding. Their literacy and numeracy came on a lot too."

The course has included lots of written work, plus practical work in the Matipo Community Garden and in their own gardens at home. They were picked up and taken to the course from Tuesday to Friday, with Mondays free for self-directed study.

Graduate Jordan Coe-Lilly said he had little experience with plants before he started the Level 1 and 2 course two years ago. Now he hopes to get a horticulture job, perhaps in a nursery.

Classmate Lynaire Kumeroa had an existing interest in growing, and slotted into the Level 3 course this year. She works weekends, and hopes to make a permaculture plan for her home and grow food for her family.

The two said they learned about composting, worm farms, companion planting and growing plants from seed.

The graduation was held at the Matipo Community Garden. It has been extended, with 100 fruit trees bought through funding from Te Mana o te Awa.

"It's a pretty friendly place. Anyone can come and take whatever they want," Ms Kumeroa said.

Fellow graduate Carlos Rippon wants to go on to a course on riparian planting next year, then start a business providing riparian planting work and employing his own.

His late father, Craig Rippon, was a founder of the Matipo Community Development Charitable Trust. Its aim was to educate local people so they could get jobs and have better lives.

Rosemary Rippon is now the trust's chairwoman. And it will get the full-time help of Vodafone World of Difference recipient Des Warahi next year.

Mr Warahi has been working with the trust for three years already. Mr Rippon is "pretty excited" about having his help in 2017.

The trust will offer courses in Level 2 and 3 horticulture next year, Mr Karalus said.