An east Auckland school is inspiring its pupils to become avid gardeners in the hope they take what they learn home and help their families grow their own veggies.
Howick Primary School is Garden to Table’s newest ‘Model School’ in Auckland.
It recently hosted an open day to showcase its thriving involvement in the programme and to acknowledge the people who have supported it along the way.
The school has about a dozen veggie gardens on its grounds filled with silverbeet, spinach, carrots, various herbs, mint, parsley, thyme, oregano, sage, spring onion, kale, bok choy and lettuce.
Since becoming a Garden to Table school in 2020, Howick Primary has developed a “strong, integrated programme that’s become a valued part of the school community”, Garden to Table’s Rohan Cahill-Fleury says.
“This year, they took the next step by becoming a Model School.
“As a Model School, they offer opportunities to showcase the programme to other schools, friends, and supporters of the Garden to Table Trust.”
As part of the open day, Cahill-Fleury says Howick Primary welcomed guests from its community, Howick Local Board members, volunteers, and representatives from other schools interested in the programme.
“Attendees observed the 11.30am session, one of two held every Wednesday, to experience the programme in action.
“Tumuaki (principal) Michael Earl opened the event, expressing gratitude to key contributors from the school and community who have helped the programme flourish.
“Enviro teacher Beccy Long, and a vital figure in establishing and advocating for Garden to Table at Howick, shared insights into the journey and highlighted the community’s role in the programme’s success.”
The school’s kitchen group prepared three recipes featuring produce from the school’s garden, “filling the hall with delightful aromas” while the garden group got stuck in planting seedlings, weeding, and managing compost.
Guests interacted with pupils and other participants, gaining a first-hand understanding of the programme’s impact.
Cahill-Fleury says as with every Garden to Table session, the open day ended with everyone sitting together to share a meal.
“Allowing guests to taste the delicious spread the tamariki had prepared, and also experience the sense of community that defines the Garden to Table programme at Howick Primary School.”
Among the visitors was Howick Local Board member Adele White, who says: “It was great to see the pupils at work and to enjoy the enthusiasm of all involved with making Garden to Table happen.
“A wonderful programme, beautifully implemented and ultimately assisting families at a time when providing food is pretty tough.”
