Vege Build

Growing your own fruit and vegetables just got a little easier with the launch of a new business, Vege Build, in Mahurangi.

Owned and operated by Steve Pinkerton, from Oruawharo, it provides property owners with a one-stop-shop for establishing an edible garden.

“Some customers want a full project service from site selection to planting, while others have already purchased their own kitset gardens and we can help assemble and fill these for them,” Pinkerton says.

“We offer advice on positioning, types of soil, selection of plants and pest control and, if needed, we can provide ongoing support and after sales service.”

Pinkerton has been working in the garden development and maintenance sector for 17 years, as well as outdoor building projects.

“I love being outdoors in the fresh air, and I like meeting interesting people so this job is a good fit.”

Customers range from suburban block owners to lifestyle farmers.

“An increasing number of people are interested in growing their own fruit and vegetables, but not everyone has had a gardener in the family to learn from.

“It’s about showing people what their options are and then providing the guidance and help they need to make it happen. Customers are motivated for many reasons. For most, it’s about taking back some control over what they are eating, while others see it as a way of stretching the family budget.”

When not tilling the soil, Pinkerton is a keen cyclist and competed at the World Masters Games in Auckland in 2017.

“Cycling has had to take a bit of a back seat since we moved to our property a year ago, but I like to keep fit so will be back on the road as soon as I have some spare time again.”