Learning, Growing and Gardening Together

What Is PiPS?

People, Plants, Schools.

PiPS is a registered charity based in the Bay of Plenty, Aotearoa, New Zealand. We support school garden programmes by funding garden facilitators who work directly in our member schools. Through the PiPS programme, our facilitators deliver fun, hands-on garden and sustainable activities that tamariki love — digging, planting, harvesting, tasting, creating, and exploring.

Each school has a unique programme tailored to its needs, curriculum, and community, making learning relevant and engaging. Our facilitators help schools grow thriving garden spaces and lead nature-based, student-focused projects — all grounded in organic principles and guided by respect for tikanga Māori.

Winner of the 2023 Western Bay Community Sustainable Future Award

Our Impact

  • 12+ Schools supported

  • 3, 000+ tamariki involved each year

  • 6 part-time facilitators employed

  • Countless vegetables grown, kai shared, and smiles made

Clare Rodger
Manager

Meet Our Staff

Our kaiako in the gardens

Ben Troughton
Facilitator

Nina Henderson
Facilitator

Stories From The Garden

In the dirt with tamariki

See how our beautiful gardens grow and flourish! From exciting planting days and joyful harvesting sessions to lively school events and engaging hands-on learning experiences, explore the vibrant moments that truly bring PiPS to life in kura across the stunning Tauranga Moana region.

Support Our Kaupapa