Dunedin Gardener Launches The Kōwhai Show for Sustainable Living

Dunedin professional gardener Kieran Ford has expanded his media presence with the launch of a new radio show and podcast titled The Kōwhai. This initiative, which aims to educate listeners about gardening and sustainability, will feature a journal detailing Ford’s own gardening experiences, along with practical tips for listeners.

In addition to gardening advice, the programme will address broader topics such as food systems and sustainability. Ford emphasizes the importance of understanding the various impacts gardens can have, including benefits to mental and physical health, as well as biodiversity and wildlife. “There are many other ways of exploring your garden, too, in terms of its impact on mental and physical health, and on biodiversity, bug-life and wildlife,” he stated.

Ford originally launched The Kōwhai as a blog on the online publishing platform Substack in December 2023. He views the addition of a radio show and podcast as a natural progression in his personal education journey. “Every day is a school day, right?” he remarked, highlighting his commitment to continuous learning and sharing knowledge with the community.

The show is broadcast every second Saturday at 9:00 AM on 105.4FM and 1575AM. Podcasts are accessible via the OAR FM website at oar.org.nz and other major streaming platforms. For those interested in tuning in, a comprehensive schedule of all OAR FM programmes can be found at www.oar.org.nz.

With this new venture, Ford aims to foster a greater appreciation for gardening and its role in sustainable living, encouraging listeners to engage with their own gardens in meaningful ways.