More than $290,000 has now been committed to the Katikati Innovative Horticulture Project - a centre of excellence for horticulture - enough to warrant plans being drawn up and suppliers being approached ahead of construction starting at the College.

The Trustees for the project are talking with local building companies to draw up detailed plans and specifications, and while this will take a little time, the basic concept is very much agreed on, namely a structure that is simple and all about function.The building must allow for multiple and flexible teaching/learning and meeting spaces of various sizes. This will mean sliding walls, partitions, and clever distancing between areas to allow multiple areas to be in used at once, whether by different groups or the same group. Toilets and a shower are a must for a stand-alone building. Also in the plan is a very basic kitchen area allowing for the processing of horticultural produce as well as life skills training for community students. Technological opportunities such as tissue culture and hydroponics already offered by the College Innovative Horticulture programme cry out for some dedicated areas such as a small laboratory, with a sterile space.The basic concept at this stage is a 12m x 16m colour steel barn with a mezzanine floor and a 4m wide colour steel verandah stretching along the 16m side. That side would have three or four large doors, effectively turning the open but covered area into an extra teaching/learning and meeting space.

We are asking for the Katikati Community to help us raise the last $250,000 needed. Every little bit helps.

To make a donation please click here. To follow the project on facebook please click here. Or you can contact the Innovative Horticulture Manager, Hilary Johnson, on hjohnson@katikaticollege.school.nz.