Arakura School Take a Leap of Faith

18 September 2023

Following a school community survey that took place at the end of 2022, there was overwhelming support for Arakura School to transition to an internal provision of ‘Ka Ora, Ka Ako’ (Healthy School Lunches Programme). With their previous external lunch provider no longer an option, Arakura School took the leap of faith and within the space of one term, they transformed their hall into a fully equipped kitchen. This was led by their amazing principal Tute, along with guidance and support from the Ministry of Education special projects team. Although it has not been a seamless journey with a few bumps in the road, it has been well worth the change for all involved. 
 
The internal model provides many benefits, which Arakura are experiencing after only one term of delivery. These include a massive reduction in food and packaging waste, having the flexibility to organise meals for field trips and events, and being able to make instant changes to meet the needs of the tamariki. Arakura were also able to hire two amazing school parents - Carol and Trish who run the kitchen and have honed their skills on the go. They take joy in seeing tamariki trying new foods and learning key life skills. Lunchtime involves the whole school seated in the hall enjoying kai together with the implementation of a tuakana-teina model, which has increased the social aspect significantly. Tute says, “There is a lot of enthusiasm and engagement for the programme because everyone feels included in the process. It’s a new and great opportunity for the school to come together.” 

Throughout this journey, our Healthy Active Learning team have supported by working collaboratively with the Ministry of Education to understand the transition process, as well as partnering with Te Whatu Ora to supply funding to purchase kitchen equipment. At the end of term two, Arakura held a Matariki whānau day, where several organisations provided games and resources in addition to a delicious hāngi for the community to enjoy. Arakura now looks to broaden its horizons by connecting with Garden To Table to grow and expand its own māra kai as key ingredients for lunch meals, as well as providing fantastic learning opportunities for tamariki and whānau. Their long-term goal is to expand their school garden enough to be accessible to the Wainuiōmata community.