Farmlet Farm Story - Te Puna Wai ō Tuhinapo Youth Justice Residence

Stepping through the gate with Barty Doak into the farm at Te Puna Wai ō Tuhinapo Youth Justice Residence, you’re struck by a sense of calm.

Barty isn’t just a farmer, he’s a mentor and guide, offering stability to the youth at the facility. His deep connection to the land, rooted in his upbringing, inspired the 5-Acre Farm initiative.

“Growing up in a farming community taught me the value of hard work, patience, and responsibility,” Barty said. “I knew bringing that here would create real change for these residents.”

In 2018, the vision for Te Puna Wai Farm took shape. Barty and the team started small, first mowing a simple field and through hard work grew the 5-Acre Farmlet, which now provides a nurturing environment for the rangatahi (young people) at Te Puna Wai.

Barty believed the farm could be a place for growth, not just for crops and animals but for the youth as well. It began by cleaning up the grounds around the residence and building sheds and pens from old materials they found. Slowly, the farm grew through the dedication and hard work of the rangatahi.

Leanne Doake, Team Leader of the Pegasus Nurses who are a key part of the facility, reflected on how the farmlet became a cornerstone of Te Puna Wai’s rehabilitation efforts.

“The farmlet is the jewel in Te Puna Wai’s crown. It’s where our rangatahi can engage in hands-on farm activities like building a chicken coop, feeding animals, or constructing fences. Watching them take pride in their work is something special,” Leanne said. The farm also offers practical, hands-on learning. Barty has been working toward obtaining his 4098 assessors’ qualification which will mean rangatahi working on the farm can earn New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA credits for their work. This opens doors for the youth, providing real qualifications to take with them after they leave Te Puna Wai.

“Here on the farm they can really let down their guard and learn. I know some of the residents have been employed once they leave us as a result of the farm skills they have learned here,” Barty said. “One of the main goals of Te Puna Wai is to help residents make a change. Thanks to this farmlet program we are seeing the results all kiwis want for the residents who come through our doors.”

The 5-Acre Farmlet at Te Puna Wai stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. The skills the residents acquire go beyond the physical tasks of farm life, instilling values of empathy, responsibility and pride. These are the skills to truly help them long after they leave Te Puna Wai. As the farm continues to grow and evolve, so do the lives of the youth who pass through its gates. Each of them leaving with a newfound sense of purpose and a brighter future on the horizon.