Over the last 3 years we have been working through the iterative design process to impact our community with a product designed and created at Greymouth High School. We have been sending The Aroha box to Jacinda Ardern and last year we sent one to Judith Collins. We are excited to now have a product that we are calling 'The Aroha Box ™.' This defines our journey which has gone through many iterations to design a box which can showcase manaakitanga and also meet a need in the community.

 The sustainable development goals are indicators of how we are looking after our planet and caring for our community. Did you know that 20.8% of tamariki live in low income homes and 25% live in damp environments which are harmful for them. The korero about child poverty and the needs of our community are essential to raise awareness about and find solutions in our Kura and in Our Kahui Ako. The students responded by exploring possible necessities that could be put into the gift box; blankets, food and local natural hygiene products. The ideating process was rigorous as we needed to approach this from an ethical perspective. We teamed up with our Kaitakawanga and board representative to obtain her feedback to refine the product and its contents. The final presentations to parents and whanau was a wonderful way of showcasing the progression of learning. It helped us get a better understanding of whanaungatanga and manaakitanga.

Aleta Chowfin

Digital Technologies Teacher