Over the past few months, the farm has welcomed hundreds of people through the gates for gatherings centred around food, music, growing and community. From long-table dinners in the gardens to two full-day festivals and our seasonal seedling sales, this warmer season has been a hive of activity at Kelmarna.
In February, our Farm Dinner Series brought people together around seasonal meals grown and harvested just metres from where they were eaten. Guests gathered amongst the māra to share food, conversation and connection to the whenua and the people who care for it. These evenings celebrated not only organic growing, but the wider network of chefs, growers and local businesses supporting regenerative food systems in Tāmaki Makaurau. A big thank you to chefs Kane Wilson (Someplace Somewhere), Elie Assaf (Lebanese Grocer), Joe O’Connell (Mama), and Georgia van Prehn, alongside our generous drinks sponsors Behemoth Brewing Company and Cambridge Distillery.
Little Kai Festival & Equinox Festival
In March, the season of gatherings continued with two festivals on the farm. Little Kai Festival was the first to unfold — a day centred around families, food systems education, hands-on activities and community action, bringing together growers, environmental advocates and local food lovers of all ages.
Later in March, Equinox Festival marked the close of summer with a full day of music, performance, art and celebration amongst the gardens. The day featured stunning performances from award-winning musician Geneva AM, Wellington Silva Trio, Chance of Sun, and Tāmaki ‘05 Trio, alongside a vibrant mix of food, creativity and community throughout the farm.
Autumn Seedling Sale
We closed the events season with our Autumn Seedling Sale. Hundreds of organically grown seedlings from Kelmarna found new homes across the city, where they’ll spend the winter growing into abundant crops. The morning was accompanied by music, coffee from Kōkako, delicious baked goods from Lophie Bakery, and plenty of gardening advice for those seeking it.
All up, we welcomed over 1700 people to the farm across our key events.
Thank you to everyone who attended an event, bought seedlings, shared meals, volunteered time, played music, collaborated, or simply spent time on the farm this season. We’re looking forward to having you join us for our next summer season of events! Sign up to our newsletter to be first in the know.