March 24th will be a day to remember for students at Papatoetoe West School, thanks to a special visit from New Zealand’s Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro.

Having grown up watching her grandparents run one of Mangere’s first community gardens, Her Excellency was keen to see Garden to Table in action - and Papatoetoe West School, which has been running a thriving Garden to Table programme since 2015, was the perfect place to visit.

Garden to Table’s Board Chair - Catherine Bell, and CEO - Ani Brunet, alongside several members of the Garden to Table Trust team were lucky enough to be part of the special occasion. Here are their reflections on the day.

On the morning of the visit, the tamariki lined school pathways, ready to warmly welcome Dame Cindy as she arrived. Every student was able to see and greet Dame Cindy - and they each displayed an incredible sense of manaakitanga that inspired us all immensely.

After a brief round of introductions, the Governor-General was straight into it - putting on an apron, and heading into the kitchen to help the tamariki shell broad beans and prepare vegetable sticks.

These vegetable sticks were later served with a delicious sunflower seed and herb pesto. Broad bean smash on croutons, and courgette cake were also on the menu - both of which allowed Papatoetoe West to use their abundant vegetable supply, and reflected Garden to Table’s value of using what’s plentiful.

But first, a visit to the garden was in order - with Dame Cindy keenly observing the beautiful bounty, before slipping on a pair of gloves to help spread some seeds.

When the kai was ready, Her Excellency sat down to enjoy it with the tamariki - and rich discussions immediately filled the room. It was clear just how much these interactions meant to the children - and we were warmed by the way Dame Cindy drew each and every student in.

We are certain that the students at Papatoetoe West School will remember this experience for the rest of their lives - just as our team will.

Ngā mihi nui ki Dame Cindy - what an incredible role model you are for us all. We are so proud of Papatoetoe West students and staff for demonstrating Garden to Table values so beautifully.