Garden Team

Kristi is WELLfed’s Garden Manager. She keeps the garden growing strong! Kristi leads volunteer sessions, teaches garden classes, hosts school visits, and runs workshops. All of this happens in our working māra kai - where the food we grow is used in the kitchen and shared with learners. Kristi first started helping out in the garden. When WELLfed took over the space, she became the Head Gardener and now leads the mahi in our beautiful outdoor classroom. She loves helping people learn new skills and discover a love for gardening, composting, and nature. In her free time, Kristi enjoys camping when the weather is good. She loves walking in nature, especially when she can go foraging, collect seeds, look for mushrooms - or just enjoy some peaceful time. She previously worked as a civil engineer and calls herself “a jack of all trades… and a master of some!”

Mat is a Cook Islander who has lived in Porirua for most of his life. He is WELLfed’s Garden Assistant, which involves teaching people how to grow fruit and vegetables, and helps grow kai for our cooking classes and to share with learners and their whānau. Mat first came to WELLfed as a garden volunteer. Later, he joined the cooking course after which he was offered a job as a Connector. When the garden role came up, he jumped at the chance to do what he loves. Mat enjoys working alongside amazing people and seeing learners grow in skills and confidence. He’s proud to be part of WELLfed and was honoured to be part of the team win NZ Gardener of the Year in 2023. Outside of WELLfed, Mat enjoys church and singing in the choir. He goes to the gym, swims, and plays keyboard in his whānau band, Rythym and Genes (RNG). Something you might not know—Mat has a black belt in karate and writes his own songs!

Rahera teaches gardening at WELLfed, helping others grow kai and learn new skills - while learning, too. She first joined WELLfed as a learner and then became a volunteer because she wanted to give back. Later, she was offered a job and is now proud to be part of the team. Rahera loves meeting new people, helping others, and learning together. She says it’s good for her well-being too. At home, Rahera enjoys gardening and cooking with her whānau. When asked what’s special about her, she smiles and says, “I am me!”