Get a wriggle on for worms

They are squirmy, dirty, good for the environment - and every home should have one.
A worm bin is a great way to convert food waste into a useful natural garden fertiliser - and reduce the amount of rubbish going to landfills.
Tauranga City Council has a programme that aims to encourage people to start worm composting and has enlisted locals with the expertise necessary to help spread the word.
Since August last year, volunteers have been helping people set up and operate worm bins, but more helpers are needed, especially in central Tauranga, Bethlehem, Tauriko and Matua neighbourhoods.
"Volunteers need to have a successful compost worm bin, enjoy helping others and showing them the benefits of worm composting," says Tauranga City Council's waste minimisation programme leader Kimberley Cleland.
"They are asked to assist three to five households in their area."
Twice a year, the council holds worm composting workshops and it is people who have been to those workshops the volunteer programme is designed to assist.
"There are a few tricks to remember for a successful worm bin but worm composting is simple; our workshop helps to just keep households on the right track and give them a few tips and reassurance when starting out," says Kimberley.
Sue Matthews already volunteers in her Papamoa neighbourhood.
She started volunteering after going on a tour of sustainable homes organised as part of the month-long Sustainable Backyards programme promoted by Tauranga Environment Centre and has also participated in one of the worm composting workshops.
"From a personal angle it's what's happening in my back yard - it's simply another way to compost - once started it is so simple, it's not a lot of work and you can see the benefit," says Sue.
"I have always been a gardener - we've lived in the same house for 27 years and when we came here it (the section) was just sand - now it's soil, it's not sand any more - and that's all compost and the worm farm."
Sue's chickens get food scraps, with the worms getting vegetable peelings, tea bags, coffee grounds and newspapers.
Initially Sue used the "worm wee" in specially selected parts of the garden, but once she realised how much was produced it "just goes anywhere".
She has been known to bottle it and give it to people as gifts.
Sue also works at an early childhood centre where there is a worm bin.
"The majority of early childhood centres and kindergartens have worm farms so the children know about them; it's part of the culture of each childcare centre."
Kimberley says the worm farm workshops are very popular with people having to be turned away each time they are run.
Anyone wanting to volunteer or learn more about the programme can contact Kimberley on 577 7066 or email kimberley.cleland@Tauranga.govt.nz