Growing up on a farm, Fiona developed an early understanding of the connection between people, whenua (land), and wellbeing. Drawn to supporting tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people), she began her career in Early Childhood Education before completing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education.

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With more than 16 years of experience working in the youth sector, Fiona has spent her career supporting young people to overcome challenges, discover their strengths, and build positive futures. Her passion for te taiao (the natural environment), outdoor adventure, and youth development led her to work as a guide, ski instructor, and later within the Christchurch Youth Justice sector for five years. Alongside this, she studied Forensic Mental Health and became a practitioner of NLP and the Havening Technique™.

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Fiona has always believed in the potential of young people and the importance of creating spaces where they feel valued, connected, and able to thrive. In 2016, alongside Bailey Peryman, she received support from the Vodafone Foundation to establish Cultivate Christchurch. What began as a vision to connect people through food, whenua, and community has grown into a thriving kaupapa centred on manaakitanga (care), whanaungatanga (relationships), and kaitiakitanga (guardianship).

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Today, as Managing Director, Fiona continues to lead Cultivate's evolution, ensuring it remains responsive to the needs of rangatahi, whānau, and the wider hapori (community) of Waitaha Canterbury.

Lani began her career working with children and young people, volunteering on youth and children’s camps, employed as a schools youth worker in Selwyn and running community based youth programmes.

In working towards a Masters in Social work, Lani spent time working with Pasifika communities navigating child protection and domestic violence. She then transitioned into motherhood and ran parenting education courses for predominantly first time parents. Upon graduating with her masters, she began work supporting foster carers in partnership with Ōranga Tamariki.

Woven into Lani’s history is a vibrant connection with land and soil. Lani is a second generation immigrant from Samoa and was raised in Ōtautahi growing food that was important to her family. Lani is passionate about land care in partnership with Tangata Whenua so in 2024, she undertook a haerenga (journey), learning about Māori food sovereignty, sustainability and management. She recently graduated from Te Whare Wānanga ō Awanuiārangi with certificates in Kai Ōranga - Food Sovereignty. This led her to Cultivate where she combines her skills in food growing and land care, with her social work skills in mentoring, personal development, and capacity building.

Lani is a māmā to three beautiful and energetic tamariki (children). She has a love for music, arts, community development, is passionate about building food resilience and growing as much food as possible in her urban backyard.

Renata is the mother of two gorgeous young children, who nicknamed Cultivate as 'Fi's garden' as they lived just down the road from the Peterborough Street Farm, when it was opened.

They love getting fresh produce and seeing it on the table, which is a huge part of what she wants for our younger generation - to see sustainable and healthy ways of living.

As a customer who loves the philosophy and quality of what Cultivate provides, a background in running her own business from home, Renata has the skills and passion to support the central services and keep up with the development of the business.

Tēnā kotou katoa

Ko Te Ahu Patiki Te Maunga 

Ko Waimakariri Te Awa 

No Ingarari Oku tupuna

Ko Charlote Jane Te waka 

He tangata tiriti ahau

No Ōtautahi ahau

Ko Sonny toku hoa rangatira nō Tuhoe ia 

Ko Jessy Moffatt toku ingoa 

Nō reira, Tena koutou, Tena kotou katua 

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Kia ora, my name is Jessy Moffatt, and I feel very privileged to be involved with Cultivate. While I may not be as “green” as some of the other wonderful volunteers, I am equally passionate about supporting and empowering young people.

My journey in youth development began in the early 2000s, working with young people in the Bronx, New York City. Today, I serve as the Operations Manager for the Coast to Coast Rangers Programme, where I assist, support, and mentor rangatahi as they prepare to compete in the iconic Coast to Coast multisport race.

Throughout my career, I have been inspired by the resilience, potential, and determination of young people. I am excited to bring that passion to Cultivate and contribute to creating opportunities for rangatahi to grow, connect, and thrive.