The Kiwi Connection

15/08/2025

For all you Dahlia lovers out there local to Kerikeri and wondering what to do tomorrow morning, Gracie-mae photography and Milly The Stripey Caterpillar will both be at the The Old Packhouse Kerikeri with their Stripey Goodies.

Come say Hi!

I'll probably be in the cafe on my tenth cup of tea and cake 😆

11/08/2025

It's LIVE!

A little more work than we had anticipated...but that is all a part of the learn-by-doing style of education we live by, right? Phew!

Tomorrow, the girls will be launching their extra special website special discount.

Watch this space!

Send a message to learn more

12/07/2025

Anyone else noticing the increase in homeschooling comments lately?

Milly has decided it is time to show the other side.

Good on you Milly. I can't wait to see how you go!

For those interested in following her journey discussing her homeschool adventures, how this plays a part in her outlook on life, go support her and join in the conversation over on her page.

It takes all sorts, right?

03/07/2025

We miss you all! Come out and say Hi while we talk about the good old days at Green Footed Kiwi, dahlias and new projects.

Do you recognise these gorgeous girls? Check out their website: https://www.thekiwiconnection.com/
They are kindly sharing their journey with us at our next Garden Guru session at Procter Library - Kerikeri - and you are invited to come along! Monday 10:30am, 14th July... see you here!

23/05/2025

And can't forget the smiling Gracie!

Here she is behind her bright and colourful stall!

She has been practicing a speech for today, so come ask her all about it!

I'm up bright and early today again!

I'm beginning to get used to these early mornings!

I'm at the Youth Creators Market until lunchtime today in The Strand, Whangarei.

Come say Hi and make my day.

23/05/2025

Another Saturday, another market!

We are at The Strand in Whangarei today. There's a whole heaps of youth entrepreneurs showcasing their talents here.

Well worth a visit for anyone local.

14/05/2025

Come on all you Dahlia fans...pop over to Gracie's page and let her know your favourite canvas.

30/04/2025

The flowers have all gone (for the winter) but something else has started.

Stay tuned for more news of what is to come.

Not to be knocked down, the girls have diversified, expanded and got lost down a new rabbit hole.

We will still have our dahlia breeding programme (with a hope to start selling our very own cultivars someday).

But sadly we won't be re-opening our pick-your-own farm until we are able to move house.

For now we will be sharing some sneaky snippets of our new and exciting learning journey.

Oh and for those interested in following along with Gracie's photography journey, please do follow here at Gracie-mae photography. Go give her a lift up with her new little business she is running by herself. X

25/04/2025

Fun day ahead!

Pakaraka Hall
9:30 - 2:30

Millys art,
Gracie's photography,
Macadamias,
Yummy smelling bread,
Hand knotted stuff,
Leather hats,
Macrame hangers,
Quilts,
Cool paintings,
Second hand books,
Ice cream,..and more!

25/04/2025

Excited for the Pakaraka market tomorrow!

No flowers this time, but the girls have put a lot of effort into making everything look fab.

They will be having one table each this market.

✏️ Milly will be there with her hand drawn art.

📸 Gracie will be there with her stunning Dahlia photography, all unique to us!

Our website will be up and running in May (fingers crossed). Perfect for anyone out of town keen to support the girls and their art.

Who is coming to the market on Saturday?

Pakaraka Hall
9:30-2:30
Come say Hi!

26/03/2025

Hi everyone! It's Milly here again!

First I want to thank all those people who took the time to complete my survey last week as a part of my Validation Challenge for the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES). It was incredibly helpful and I got lots of good data to look through.

I have one more ask! Would you mind taking the time again to give some feedback on these Minimum Viable Products (MVPs)?

I have huge plans for something very special (which I am keeping under my hat for the time being until the big launch), but would love some feedback on a few products while I prepare.

Q1 - How important is it to you that gifts like these are made with eco-friendly materials and packaging? Is this something you would be willing to pay extra for?

Q2 - If you were to receive or give a gift like this, what would make it feel extra special or meaningful to you?

Q3 - Where do you usually shop for gifts like this, and what would make you support a new brand like mine?

I would be really grateful if you could comment on the photos too with your thoughts. It will help me to decide on which designs and products people like and which don't work so well.

Thank you! And in return, I promise to post some dahlia photos tomorrow!!!

22/03/2025

🌸 Exciting News from the Green Footed Kiwi Garden! 🌸

As many of you know, since moving to our new home we haven’t been able to run our Pick-Your-Own flower farm the way we used to. It's been a big shift for our family, and the kids have really felt the change—missing the joy of sharing nature with others.

But now, something exciting is blooming again…

Milly, our amazing 14-year-old, is taking part in the YES (Young Enterprise Scheme) challenge and has come up with a new youth-led business idea that’s all about spreading joy, connecting people with nature, and helping butterflies. It's creative, doable, and full of heart—and she's leading the way!

As part of her first challenge, Milly needs to validate her idea by getting feedback from the community. She’s created a quick survey (just 2 minutes!) to hear from people who care about nature, meaningful gifts, and time spent outside—whether you’re a parent, teacher, gardener, or just someone who loves butterflies and joy.

🦋 Click here to do the survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSPY1N9TIKh1eqsySjenOth3n4SLggPkCOvCaPtkfbsCPzlg/viewform?usp=header

Your answers will mean the world to her—and help bring a beautiful new idea to life. Thank you for supporting our next generation of green-hearted dreamers 💚

We are creating a youth-led nature project and would love your input. This quick survey helps us bring joy and protect butterflies!