After some time spent travelling overseas, Fiona returned to New Zealand where, working in partnership with Bailey Peryman, she founded Cultivate Christchurch, a farming and youth development community. 

Through a grant from Te Rourou, One Aotearoa Foundation, Fiona and Bailey were able to establish a network of urban farms atop earthquake-damaged sites in Ōtautahi to provide training and employment opportunities for Canterbury’s youth. 

“Working outside with their hands in the soil is where young people feel free and safe to open up about their biggest challenges, hopes and fears,” says Fiona, “It’s where the relationships are formed and the trust is built.” 

Many of the young adults Cultivate Christchurch works with were not in education, employment or training. Some had mental health issues that had held them back from connecting with others and holding down a job. With a 3 year funding commitment, Te Rourou enabled Cultivate Christchurch to grow not just fresh, healthy produce for the community, but the hearts and minds of Christchurch’s rangatahi. 

Fiona emphasises that the community aspect and youth development were key to the success of the programme. “It helped give them the skills to work alongside other people because the confidence building part is so vital. It’s amazing what impact this has had on people.” 

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Te Rourou, One Aotearoa Foundation they also supported me, as a relatively young person myself. The help they gave me changed my life. And enabled me to change the lives of others,” she adds.