YOUR INDUSTRY
Katikati Innovative Horticulture Project donor 90-year-old Jopie Heuseveldt with college Principal Carolyn Pentecost (left) and Hilary Johnson, Innovative Horticulture Manager
Horticultural education centre nears funding target Fundraising to build a dedicated horticultural education centre in Katikati is just $100,000 away from its target, and construction is planned to begin later this year. By Elaine Fisher The Katikati Innovative Horticulture Trust now has $400,000 of the $500,000 needed for the purpose-built facility on Katikati College grounds, thanks to donations from businesses, organisations and private individuals. Hilary Johnson, Innovative Horticulture manager, Katikati College, says reaching the milestone is exciting and gratifying, especially given the fundraising began last year, just as New Zealand went into Covid-19 lockdown. “Despite the uncertain times, generous donations have continued to be received from businesses, individuals and organisations who recognise how important it is to have a dedicated horticultural education centre for college-aged
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students, young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs) and the local community. “The impacts of Covid-19 and the restrictions on overseas workers entering New Zealand has also highlighted the urgent need for skilled horticultural workers.” Even before work has begun on the new centre, the popularity of horticulture as a subject has soared among Katikati College students. The last three years have seen growth in enrolments, in student retention, in academic achievement and a closing of the disparity gap between Māori, Pasifika and other students.
