A Reflection on Term One

After ten weeks (filled with sunny weather and warm temperatures for most parts of the country), Term 1 of 2022 has officially come to a close.

It’s been a joy supporting schools around the motu to deliver Garden to Table’s food education programme throughout this term.

Today, we thought we’d take a look back on the term, and celebrate a few memorable moments from māra kai (gardens) and kīhini (kitchens) throughout the country.

Students at Matipo Primary discovered this courgette had turned to marrow!

Upon their return to school after the Christmas holidays, lots of students found that their plants had gone to seed. Exploring the overgrown plants, and observing the changes that had taken place in their absence, was the first order of business for many schools.

Others were able to harvest their summer fruit (like plums and berries) and veggies (like potatoes and courgettes), which they turned into a variety of delicious dishes.

Students at Matipo Primary making courgette brownie, roast capsicum dip, and plum cake.

Covid-19 has continued to present challenges for us all. This term, our support to schools was focused on outdoor learning and activities to promote student wellbeing and connection with nature.

We were heartened to see the creativity that emerged from schools - with many taking the opportunity to cook and dine outdoors.

Students at Kerikeri Primary School soaking up the sunshine while they prepare potato wedges and corn salsa.

But, amongst all of the action and excitement, what have been the highlights from Term One?

We asked a few people to try and find out …

For Vanessa Coles - the Kitchen Specialist at Forest Hill School, it was the outdoor learning and al-fresco dining opportunities that stood out the most. “Discovering a whole new way to run our kitchen programme due to Covid-19 - setting up our cooking stations outside and utilising our covered turf when we sit down to eat at the end of our session. Hopefully this is something that we will continue”, she says.

This term, Matipo Primary School ran their Garden to Table programme with no parent help or volunteers. Their Kitchen Specialist, Hollie Colegate, tells us “we didn't dumb down the recipes one bit, but just set them clear expectations at the start as to how they could self manage and help each other. They have blown us away with their independent working, team work, ako and whanaungatanga”.

Similarly, Sheelagh White - a teacher at Marist School Mount Albert says her highlight has been “watching our incredible specialists adapting the programme under the red setting so the children could still be fully involved and keep our programme thriving. We have enjoyed eating outside and will continue as long as the weather is good. The programme has enabled the children to reconnect after the lockdown last year and work together in positive and collaborative relationships. The best part of my week is hearing the positive talk, seeing the children working together, laughing together and getting stuck in! Amazing impact on their hauora (wellbeing)”.

For Garden to Table’s newest Regional Coordinator, Emma van de Molen, she’s enjoyed visiting schools in the Bay of Plenty. “My highlight has been seeing the Garden to Table programme set up and thriving in each unique environment. Our fantastic Programme Champions and Specialists whose ability to adapt during difficult times has been inspiring - from bringing the classroom outdoors or planning innovative ways to work in smaller groups without volunteers, the programme has continued on thanks to their passion, expertise and resilience. Whangaia ka tupu ka puāwai - That which is nurtured blossoms and grows”.

But, for our CEO, Ani Brunet, it’s something a little different that has stood out the most. "Being part of hosting Her Excellency Dame Cindy Kiro at Papatoetoe West School was a total highlight for me”, Ani says. “Tamariki and staff teams blew me away with their demonstration of manaakitanga. Seeing Dame Cindy and the students experiencing shared delight enjoying kai from the garden, and listening to the rich kōrero made me feel very proud of all of us in our Garden to Table community”.

Dame Cindy Kiro in the garden at Papatoetoe West School, where she helped spread seeds.

Over the coming term, we’re looking forward to empowering more tamariki to grow, harvest, prepare and share fresh, nourishing, and environmentally sustainable kai.

As we head into the Autumn months, Garden to Table students will be harvesting crops like pumpkin, corn, and beetroot; storing potatoes; mulching their gardens, and preparing for Matariki celebrations.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with all the action!

Students at Napier Central School immersing themselves in the garden - turning compost, collecting leaves, transplanting strawberries, and planting seedlings.

If you want to see more Kiwi kids across Aotearoa connecting with nature and learning to grow, harvest, prepare and share at school, please consider a donation to support our mahi. Ngā mihi maioha!