It takes a bit of grit to grow veges in the Christchurch winter, but a group of Fijian families are rising to the challenge via a University of Canterbury-led project.

It takes a bit of grit to grow veges in the Christchurch winter, but a group of Fijian families are rising to the challenge via a University of Canterbury-led project.

The project, which has established 20 backyard vegetable gardens, is led by PhD student, Dr Esala Vakamacawai, a former medical professional in Fiji.

As a surgeon in the Pacific, Esala saw the impact of type 2 diabetes first-hand and says it's also present among indigenous Fijians in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Some of the risks associated with type 2 diabetes are lifestyle factors like exercise, diet and obesity that can be changed, he says.

Tending to backyard gardens produces both healthy produce and a form of exercise.

"Gardening is a way of making people move!"

One participant, Mosese Vilivilioyawa, has taken up the challenge of gardening, experimenting with capsicums, spring onions and even eggplant - and even built his own hothouse.

As well as enjoying the gardening work, he's also been training with his children, walking up hills and playing touch rugby.

"Learn new things and different kinds of foods, new lifestyle," Mosese told Voices.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details