Kai time for local wha¯nau
One Northland community organisation is bringing it back to basics with a 10-week cooking programme, Kai Kāuta helping Northland families put food on the table.
Five participants graduated from Kai Kāuta earlier this month, preparing a hākari for their whānau and community utilising their newfound skills.
Based in Moerewa, He Iwi Kotahi Tatou Trust has been facilitating the weekly cooking lessons – providing practical advice on growing kai, safety tips while in the kitchen and how to use kai in a way that benefits whā nau and communities.
The organisation utilises their community pā taka to grow their community’s understanding of how to incorporate new ingredients and build confidence to develop their cooking skills.
Pamela-Anne Simon, from He Iwi Kotahi Tatou Trust, says the lessons are held in a fun, social environment and help build mental-health resilience.
‘‘Our community have loved getting involved with this programme. It’s a family affair with tamariki, partners and friends also welcome to attend.
‘‘Kai Kāuta has helped to encourage broader understanding of how to access healthy, affordable kai to feed and nourish their whā nau.’’
Programme graduate and mother of six Mahinerangi Wihapi says the course has completely changed her perspective on cooking.
‘‘I learnt so much about how to make my meals go further using vegetables and ingredients from the pātaka – I’m spending less while still eating well.’’
The organisation used a contributory grant as part of the Ministry of Social Development’s Food Secure Communities programme to develop and deliver this kaupapa.