North Otago's drought has taken its toll on the Waitaki Community Gardens but with the implementation of an irrigation network on Friday, the site will grow into a sustainable environment, the garden's leaders say.
The garden, which was set up seven years ago, spans about a hectare in central Oamaru.
Community garden co-ordinator Sophia Leon de la Barra said the arrival of irrigation was life-changing.
She said that until now, volunteers were hand-watering the space, some days returning to the garden every two hours to make sure plants were kept alive.
The Oamaru branch of national company Water Force donated labour and the materials.
Technician Tane Rogers said the company thought the project was a good thing to do for the community.
The project took about two months, he said.
Mr Rogers said irrigation was important for growing what produce was wanted, as the weather was unreliable.
Miss Leon de la Barra said the project symbolised small business supporting community work.
"Their generosity has made a huge difference to our sustainability.''
Ra McRosti said the past two years were hard for the gardens.
"We're in a drought. Everyone knows it.''
Miss Leon de la Barra said the gardens served as an education space for schools and a community hub, and were tended by 30 or so regular gardeners.
