Tēnei te mihi atu ki a koutou katoa. Kai Reka Passion Project had three guiding concepts: Manaakitanga, Hākari and Hangi.

Our students wanted to learn Mātauranga Māori to ensure the knowledge of their Tūpuna (ancestors) was handed down to future generations. They wanted to show manaakitanga to their community through the sharing of kai and ako. 

Therefore, over the term, the students learnt traditional weaving skills and recipes so that they could bring all their learnings together with a Hākari. The Hākari included traditional hāngi, raw fish, fried bread and burnt sugar steam pudding. 

To enhance community spirit we sat and ate together and gifted food baskets to everyone on our street to thank them for supporting our community. It was amazing to see the growth in skills, manaakitanga and leadership of our team through this spectacular event - our Community Service project.