125 years on from opening as a borstal for young offenders, Invercargill Prison continues to offer horticulture as part of its rehabilitation programme, growing and gifting plants and produce to the local community.

Today, Instructor William says there are six men engaged in the prison Horticulture team - tending to the prison’s garden plots, tunnel houses, shade houses and plant ‘hardening off’ areas inside the wire.

“A key part of the men’s work is producing seasonal produce,” he says.

"Everything is grown from seed including tomatoes, cabbage, silver beet, spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce, capsicum, carrot, parsnip, beetroot, cucumber, leek, pumpkin, spring onion, garlic and zucchini.”

”The team takes great pride in their work. They do a fantastic job and grow quality produce.”

William says giving something back to the community, especially to vulnerable families, is a big driver for the men.

“Growing plants and produce for the community is very rewarding work,” he says.

“It gives the men purpose and an increased feeling of self-worth. Working outdoors and with the soil also supports improved physical and mental health. It is a good reason to get out of bed.

“Once or twice a week, local not-for-profit Kiwi Harvest pick up the produce and distribute this through their foodbank to people in need in the community. So far this year, we have produced and sent out 386 crates of mixed vegetables,” he says. “Alongside the feel-good rewards of growing for the community, the men are also gaining their Primary Industry Skills Level 2 certificate. 

"This recognised Horticulture qualification, and the skills learnt within it, increase the men’s chances for employment as well as capability to grow food to support their whānau and community on release.

“Kiwi Harvest tell us the product is greatly appreciated by recipients - which is very satisfying for the men. They get a lot of pride from this feedback and the work they do.”