In a quiet Whanganui East backyard, Shane McCulloch has transformed his traditional greenhouse operation into something special. Recognising an opportunity to serve the region's migrant communities, he pivoted from tomatoes and cucumbers to specialising in sought-after Asian vegetables.
Today, Shane grows bitter melon, luffas, snake beans, banana capsicums, Fijian eggplants, curry leaf, Chinese marrow, and some of New Zealand's hottest chillies.
His pick-your-own model has created something unique: customers travel from as far as Tauranga and Wellington, waste is minimal, and the high-trust relationship with his community keeps people coming back.
Shane's story reflects what makes Whanganui work:
👉 Responsive entrepreneurship – adapting to meet underserved needs
👉 Central location – drawing customers region-wide
👉 Multicultural demand for culturally relevant food
👉Ideal climate – supporting year-round growing experimentation
👉Word-of-mouth growth – built entirely on trust and community
Whanganui is a place where opportunity grows - literally.
Insights & stories
January 15, 2026
From tomatoes to Thai chillies, a quiet Whanganui East backyard story
In a quiet Whanganui East backyard, Shane McCulloch has transformed his traditional greenhouse operation into something special. Recognising an opportunity to serve the region's migrant communities, he pivoted from tomatoes and cucumbers to specialising in sought-after Asian vegetables.
