School Vege Challenge 2023

Harvest Time & Judging

Mid Challenge Update

Unfortunately, due to an operation to fix a leaking water pipe, access to the gardens has been hindered. They’re thinking about relocating the gardens to a more accessible and visible location as a result of this. A new garden had been planted a few days before we arrived for a check-in so it’s great to see them getting going again.

Getting Going

Keith Street School were part of a previous growing challenge and we are back for another round! Miss B will be leading this project and fingers crossed we get some goodness growing. Our maara/gardens are ready for some re-invigoration and we would love to incorporate what we grow into our kai… as well as having fun and trying to grow some beautiful looking produce!

School Vege Challenge 2022

Harvest Time & Judging

Mid Challenge Update

All schools this year have been affected by Covid and had students and staff away isolating. When we arrived Linda who is the main person in charge of the school vegetable garden had gone home to isolate. We however got to meet Mel and Sharee. It’s always great when you come across a team of people, it usually means the project continues when the unpredicted happens. Everyone has their role in a team. Mel and Sharee were a good team showing us where the gardens were up to. Mel was the spokesperson who gave all the credit to Sharee.

The garden is set up in an area outside two classrooms which can access it. There is an outdoor learning area that has been developed in this space and the garden has become part of it. There is water play and outdoor art that takes place, a swing, and a tree to climb along with a shade sail for offering sun protection for the learning space when it is hot.

I was immediately taken by the clever ‘hack’ for tool storage that is on the garden. I commented what a clever idea. It was Sharee’s idea and hard work, Mel said.

They are teaching the kids lots of good things about gardening. They showed me a pot with tomato seedlings growing in it. They had cut a tomato in half and planted it. The seeds in contact with the soil have sprouted quickly.

It is great to meet passionate people and see kids learning these life skills.

I’m looking forward to seeing the garden again in a couple of months.

Getting Going

The School Vege Challenge will help us provide school lunches to our students using the internal model. Growing our own veges on site will support our tamariki to gain greater understanding of how healthy food is grown. Cooking our own home grown kai will be exciting for them. Plus, it is really fun!