Matariki mara kai winners announced

From Northland to Otago, schools across Aotearoa are using mara kai to teach tamariki about sustainability, healthy eating, kaitiakitanga and the power of community.

We were inspired by the nominations we received for our Matariki mara kai initiative and the incredible work happening in school gardens around the country. After reviewing the entries, we've selected five schools to receive vouchers to support their mara ka.

Each school has a unique story, but all share a commitment to helping young people learn, grow and connect through food.

Te Kura o Matihetihe, Hokianga

Nestled on the north side of the Hokianga Harbour, Te Kura o Matihetihe impressed us with its vision of using its mara kai as an extension of the classroom.

The kura's approach combines environmental learning, practical life skills and a strong connection to te ao Māori principles of kaitiakitanga. Students are learning where food comes from while building a deeper understanding of caring for the whenua and supporting their community.

Nominated by Hemowai Campbell.

Beachlands School, Auckland

Beachlands School's garden project is already making a difference beyond the school gates.

Students are learning how to grow and harvest food while also sharing produce through a local pātaka kai. The school demonstrated a strong focus on sustainability and community, with tamariki actively contributing to a project that benefits both their families and their wider neighbourhood.

Nominated by Sharon Bremner, Bee Bee, Lisa Bethune, Rebecca Skeen, and Joelene Lendrum

Weber School, Tararua

One of the most heartwarming nominations came from Weber School, a small rural school where students have thrown themselves into building and maintaining their mara kai.

We were moved by stories of children carrying water in old milk bottles to keep their plants alive and working together to grow seedlings in the school's greenhouse. Their enthusiasm, determination and practical approach to learning made Weber School a standout recipient.

Nominated by Cherry-Ann Lee, Trudy Riddell, Elle Joblin, Chelsea Mack, Lindy Haliburton, Heidi Lewis, Jaime Arnold, Jo Blyth, and Karen Phelps

Redwoodtown School, Blenheim

Redwoodtown School is on a mission to revitalise its gardens and create a thriving space that brings students and the community together.

We loved hearing about students planting kūmara for a community hāngī and their longer-term goal of growing enough produce to support future community events. The project involves learners of all ages and demonstrates the powerful role gardens can play in bringing people together.

Nominated by Brenda Story

Māori Hill School, Dunedin

At Māori Hill School, students are growing much more than vegetables.

Through an enthusiastic gardening programme and a recently established pātaka kai, tamariki are learning the value of generosity, community service and environmental stewardship. Produce grown by students is shared with members of the school and local community, creating a simple but powerful example of people supporting one another.

Nominated by Fliss Bakx

Congratulations to our winners

Thank you to every school, whānau member, teacher and community supporter who took the time to submit a nomination. Reading the stories reminded us just how much impact a school garden can have, from putting fresh food on the table to teaching lifelong skills and strengthening community connections.

Congratulations to Te Kura o Matihetihe, Beachlands School, Weber School, Redwoodtown School and Māori Hill School. We can't wait to see what grows next. 🌱