My job: More than just garden variety plots

Brooke Walker says she has one of the 'best jobs in Waitakere'. Photo / Graeme Sedal

Name: Brooke Walker
Role: Community gardens facilitator
Age: 28
Employer: EcoMatters Environment Trust
Working hours: 40-hour week. Usually Monday-Friday but some weekends.
Pay: $22-$28 an hour
Qualification: Bachelor of Arts majoring in women's studies and sustainable development (with a focus on sustainable agriculture).

Describe your job.

My role as community gardens facilitator with the EcoMatters Environment Trust is to support community-based food-growing within Waitakere. This includes community gardens and orchards, neighbourhood gardening projects and general networking.

I don't manage one specific community garden; all the community gardens in Waitakere have a manager or team of people running them.

I am working on two programmes: Neighbourhood Roots (community backyard gardening education) and Our Street Our Food (community fruit-tree planting on street verges and parks). I also give consultations, presentations and workshops for people interested in community gardening.

Tell us about EcoMatters Environment Trust.

The trust started in 2002 and has 21 staff. It is a not-for-profit organisation whose focus is working in household and community sustainability. We work in partnership with Keep Waitakere Beautiful Trust, Weed Free Trust, and Tag Out Trust.

We are based in New Lynn and provide sustainability initiatives to the wider Auckland region. Waitakere City Council is our biggest contributor and we also receive funding from Auckland City Council, ASB Community Trust, Ministry for the Environment, Community Wellbeing Fund, NZ Lotteries Commission, The Trusts, Waitemata District Health Boards, New Lynn Community Work Centre, Zero Waste, and the Hikurangi Foundation.

Your background?

Before coming to New Zealand, I spent two years working on Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms in the hot deserts of Utah. CSAs connect small-scale growers with local customers through a subscription system. It's a localised form of food production meaning people directly connect with where their food comes from.

My first job in New Zealand was at Greenpeace. EcoMatters hired me in September 2008. I work with people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, and social classes. This includes newbie gardeners and experienced gardeners. Mostly I work with people who want to learn about food production and nutrition.

Growing food is only the tip of the iceberg. Food growing is also about networking, food security, improving nutrition, saving money, physical activity, enhancing soil conditions, localising food production, reducing waste, preserving heritage seeds, community development, and social wellbeing.

How do people join a community garden?

Every community garden usually has a manager or contact person for inquiries. In Auckland, you can check out the EcoMatters website for a list of community gardens. Otherwise ask your local community organisations, community houses or council about local gardens.

Although each community garden has a capacity level, they are usually able to expand if demand exists. If you don't want to garden but would like to support a community garden, most places are looking for supplies, donations and tutors.

What are your strengths?

I'm hard-working, self-motivated, likable, genuine, innovative, and structured. I strongly support sustainable horticulture, organic farming and am connected with my local community.

You have to know how to grow food, compost, cook or prepare food and be able to teach these things. You need to be able to network, research and develop a programme. Practical experience is always valuable.

Why is your job important?

I believe my job is very important. Both small-scale food production and community resilience are making a comeback.

As the world becomes more globalised, conversely there is a movement towards localising and connecting. Not only do people want to grow food again but they also want to know their neighbours and I'm here to help bridge that union.

What are the job's challenges?

The balance between supporting people but not doing the work for them can be a fine line. Motivating people to turn talk into action. Not to mention I lie awake at night wondering if things are working out the way I planned.

Any funny stories?

When I came up with the name "Neighbourhood Roots" my colleagues joked about the sexual innuendo. As an American I didn't get the joke.

What's the best part of your job?

I think I have one of the best jobs in Waitakere. I am part of an important movement - relocalising food production, reducing food miles, and enhancing social wellbeing.

And the worst part?

Sitting in an office doing planning and preparation when the sun is shining.

What about your own garden?

My garden at home is minimal. I rent a house in Titirangi and I don't get much sun but have three small raised beds which provide my family with greens, herbs, and summer tomatoes. I also contribute to the staff plot at EcoMatters and I have access to a few gardens around the city where I have helped.

Advice to those interested in a similar job?

Approach local organisations, councils, community houses, and district health boards to develop a job description and source funding.