Student Garden Engagement

Abstract

This research explores ways to increase student engagement with the Otago University Sustainability Neighbourhood (OUSN) gardens. The study focuses on residents of the two OUSNs on Great King St and Leith St, where student engagement with the gardens is currently limited. To identify barriers to engagement and potential solutions, interviews are conducted with five former OUSN residents and five experts in garden engagement or behaviour change. A thematic analysis of these interviews informs an engagement plan for the 2025 OUSN Garden Student Lead to implement.