Kete Ora Trust is excited to support the volunteer programme at Kelmarna Community Farm in Ponsonby, Auckland. Kelmarna is a 40+ year old organic community farm on a mission to transform our food system, support climate change mitigation, and to develop urban reslience and community wellbeing.
The funding will support the volunteer coordinator, who plays a vital role at the Farm. In 2024, over 500 people volunteered at Kelmarna, delivering over 9000 hours of labour exchange on the farm. But this is not just about contributing labour! The volunteer programme provides a two-way benefit, thanks to a strong commitment to community well-being.
Check out these inspiring stories from Kelmarna volunteers:
TE KORĀRI’S STORY
Te Korāri came to Kelmarna after being made redundant from her mahi as a librarian. “I applied to work in the Farm Shop as I was used to working with customers because of the library, it’s good to be with people all the time, and the staff are good here. I really got all the discussion with the staff and the other volunteers. I thought it was a good place and most people love to come here, most of the time it’s pretty chill here.”
“I love this place, you know the plants and the trees, the air, just the people. Talking organic food and farming with the staff and Adrian. There is always something to learn, like edible flowers, or hot compost or edible weeds, foraging, there’s more to the land and what you imagine when you’re seeing it for the first time.”
Read Te Korāri’s full story here. (PDF, 184.72 kB)
DEVINA’S STORY
“I had absolutely no idea what I might get out of volunteering, because I have never been a gardener, says Kelmarna volunteer, Devina. The first person I met was Ruth, Kelmarna’s volunteer coordinator. She just knew from our brief conversation - my anxiety, my fear of being around people, so she would put me on jobs on my own like harvesting or weeding. How many people and how many workplaces would have an ability to connect like that?”
“You know it’s not only about growing organic food, or the chickens, or raising lambs, it’s really about a connection - the deep connection between land and human beings and mental health.”
Read more about Devina’s journey here (PDF, 283.93 kB).
Find out more about Kelmarna Community Farm.
We look forward to bringing you more stories from Kelmarna and the volunteers during the year.
Posted: 29 December 2025
