Nurturing change: Growing community impact with Garden to Table and Brightly

Brightly’s recent visit to an Auckland school to see the Garden to Table programme in action was a moving reminder of why impact partnerships matter. As a leading B Corp certified IT services company, we are all about using innovation and technology to help purpose-driven organisations like Garden to Table create meaningful, lasting change in Aotearoa. Here’s a glimpse of our day and why we’re proud to stand alongside this remarkable initiative. 

What we experienced at Garden to Table 

Four of our team members spent the morning seeing the Garden to Table programme in full swing. The school was alive with excitement as half the group of tamariki headed outdoors, exploring the wonders of the garden - worms, compost, and even cockroaches, which caused plenty of enthusiasm. Indoors, the kitchen buzzed with activity as the other half learned to make Chinese pancakes with a delicious dipping sauce and mushroom broth. The sense of teamwork and curiosity was clear, and it was inspiring to watch the volunteers guiding the students through every step. 

After spending time gardening and cooking, both groups joined up in the school hall. Here, the kids practiced their public speaking by sharing what they’d learned and their favourite parts (the cockroaches and spiders were hot topics!), before everyone sat down together for a meal in the “mini restaurant” they’d set up. Sitting alongside the tamariki, it struck us how much these young people encouraged each other to be adventurous with kai and enthusiastically shared how they now help cook at home, using garden produce and pantry basics. 

Why this partnership matters 

Impact partnerships are at the core of what we do. Partnering with Garden to Table goes far beyond offering technology advice and support: it’s about backing causes that shape resilient, sustainable communities. We believe in making a measurable difference for people and the planet, not just through the work we do, but through the relationships we nurture. 

Our visit affirmed the value of hands-on sustainability education. Not only are children learning essential life skills – growing food, cooking, communicating – but they’re also developing confidence and a sense of collective responsibility, all values that resonate deeply with our team and business ethos. Supporting programmes like Garden to Table reflects our commitment to using our skills, resources, and reach as a force for good in Aotearoa. 

Brightly’s role and impact 

Brightly brings far more than technical know-how to our partnerships. We collaborate with values-led organisations to amplify efficiency, resilience, and positive impact with future-focused technology solutions. For Garden to Table, this means providing advisory and support through a relationship built on trust and mutual respect to help them grow their impact sustainably and securely, freeing up more time and capacity to focus on delivering their mission. 

Garden to Table is a shining example of what’s possible when purpose-driven organisations work together, each contributing their unique strengths. The energy, creativity, and camaraderie we witnessed during our visit have left a lasting impression and a sense of hope for the future, and we look forward to deepening our support and seeing how these young changemakers continue to grow. 

Learn more about Garden to Table here: https://gardentotable.org.nz/