His idea emerged when a teacher was looking for a way to provide lunch for those rangatahi who didn't have enough. Danny joined the kōrero and brought people in from the start.

The Mō Āpōpō Future Leaders programme helped him see what would help the project and what could hold it back. Funding was the biggest issue. Danny and two teachers formed a group and applied to the Otago Community Trust's Rangatahi Fund. Other rangatahi made the funding decisions. The project received more than $4,000, with more support from the school and a local business.

Danny thought about who the project could serve and who could help build it. He visited the MenzShed, and they agreed to build a pātaka kai for the school. He invited art students to paint it, and then together they decided on prizes for the best designs. Teachers, students, builders and funders each had a part to play.

"If it wasn't for the amazing and supportive community of young leaders and the thought-provoking tools, I don't think I would have gotten this far.”

Big change rarely happens alone. Danny asked for help, listened to what people wanted to offer, and gave them a real role. The project grew because more people could see themselves in it. For Danny, it also changed how he sees himself. 

"It helped me feel like a pilot rather than a passenger in creating change."

Next up is a bigger school garden, fruit trees and beehives.

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