Education Minister Visits Katikati College's GrowHub

Education Minister Erica Stanford visited Katikati College's GrowHub horticulture facility on 25 July, where senior students had the chance to speak with her directly about their learning experiences. The afternoon opened with a pōwhiri from the school's kapa haka group, welcoming Stanford and Coromandel MP Scott Simpson to the campus.

Stanford praised the students' enthusiasm, noting how impressed she was by their passion and the way their studies appeared to be shaping their future aspirations. She also highlighted the importance of local businesses and industry being involved in shaping vocational education, describing GrowHub as an excellent example of that partnership in action. "We need more of that, frankly, all around the country," she told Katikati News.

The hub, which opened in May 2023, was the brainchild of now-retired project manager Hilary Johnson. It was built with support from the Katikati Innovative Horticulture Trust, which fundraised alongside local horticultural businesses and community members to establish the facility on school grounds.

Principal Louise Buckley said hosting the minister was a proud moment that reflected the collective effort of staff, industry partners and the wider community. GrowHub offers students pathways into tertiary study, trades or direct employment through hands-on horticulture learning, including Achievement Standards and Unit Standards across multiple year levels.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).