Hukanui School's sustainable garden provides ingredients for gala Food Theatre

A showcase of the bounty of its award-winning Living Room and garden will be on display at Hukanui School's gala on Saturday 3 November.

Local eatery Smith & McKenzie will be hosting two food demonstrations featuring the goods harvested from the hard work of the students, with tastings afterwards.

The Food Theatre is a new feature for the gala, which this year is fundraising for a fully functional kitchen space in the Living Room, where students learn sustainable principles.

The aim is to have a place where a whole class of 30 students can cook healthy food straight from their gardens in a safe and hygienic kitchen.

Local chefs Ben Ensor and Toby Elliottyson of Smith & McKenzie will be making dishes using items from the Sustainable Garden, including honey from the bee hives, eggs from the school chickens, citrus, herbs, fruit and vegetables.

A big screen provided by Carpet Mill and AV system from Waikato Sound and Lighting will ensure a true food theatre experience.

Since the Living Room was built there have been many student-led projects, including creation of the Sustainable Garden.

The success of the garden has provided the opportunity to further build the student skill base through turning garden produce into healthy meals and products.

Plans for the future kitchen began in 2017. Students have researched creating a sustainable extension, established criteria for the building, made models, got input from the rest of the school, presented to the architect and worked with him to create concept plans.

They have presented plans and comprehensive research to the Board of Trustees to get permission to continue.

Lead teacher for the Living Room, Michelle White, says the benefits are apparent in the enthusiasm for learning she sees in the students.

"Getting to see where food comes from, how to grow, manage and reuse materials are all life skills embedded in the children.

They come away with practical experience and a profound understanding of sustainability and environmental responsibility."
"Adding a fully functional kitchen will further enhance this experience by allowing the children to create healthy meals from the produce grown in their garden."

The Hukanui School Gala is at the school, Pickering Crescent, Chartwell on Saturday 3 November, from 10am to 2pm. The Smith & McKenzie Food Theatre will take place at 11am and 1pm.