Milly's Story
From one idea to the next
People often ask where Moa Gardens began.
For me, it started long before there was a garden destination. It began with a simple belief that people need more reasons to get outside, notice nature and spend time together.
As part of our family's Green Footed Kiwi flower farm, I helped grow thousands of dahlias, welcome visitors, and share the joy that flowers brought to people of all ages. Watching families wander through the gardens taught me how powerful simple experiences in nature could be.
When our flower farm came to an end and we were waiting to move, I wasn't ready to stop creating. I wanted to build something of my own that captured the same feeling of wonder I had experienced growing up around flowers and wildlife.
That's how The Stripey Caterpillar was born.
Inspired by butterflies, conservation and the magic of everyday moments in nature, it encouraged people to slow down, look closer and rediscover the beauty around them. What began as one small idea grew into something much bigger than I ever imagined, eventually being named the YES Northland 2025 Winner. It taught me that even the smallest ideas can grow when you're willing to begin.
When our family started creating Moa Gardens, it felt like everything had come together.
The dahlias returned. The butterflies were still part of the story. Art, books, learning, gardens and family projects all found a home in one place.
Today, I continue to create artwork, write books and dream up new ideas that help people connect with nature, creativity and one another. Every project is another chapter in the same journey—and another reminder that extraordinary things really can grow from small beginnings.
Gracie-Mae's Story
The idea that started it all
People often assume I discovered photography first.
I didn't.
It all started with dahlias.
When Mum gave each of us $100 to start our own little project, I chose to buy a handful of dahlia cuttings. I had no idea that one small decision would change the direction of our family's life.
Those first plants became more flowers. The flowers became a family project. Before long, we were growing thousands of dahlias together, welcoming visitors to Green Footed Kiwi, and learning new skills every season.
One day, while people were visiting the flower farm, a professional photographer named Lottie arrived to photograph the gardens for New Zealand Gardener magazine. Watching her work completely changed the way I saw the world. She wasn't just taking pictures of flowers. She was telling stories through her camera.
Not long afterwards, I bought my first camera, a second-hand one, and began teaching myself photography. The flower farm became my classroom, and every season gave me something new to discover.
When Milly began The Stripey Caterpillar through the YES programme, I was still too young to officially take part. So I started Gracie-Mae Photography alongside her, documenting the flowers, butterflies, pollinators and everyday moments that surrounded us.
Today, my photography is woven throughout Moa Gardens. From the images visitors see on our website and in our gallery to books, artwork and displays, my camera helps tell the continuing story of our family project.
Looking back, it's amazing to think that everything began with one small decision and a handful of dahlia plants. It reminds me that the biggest adventures often grow from the smallest beginnings.