Whaea Ngawini Schipper with Tashin Wetine (left) and Abel Henderson.
Books, an enviro stall and plenty of hāngī was available at the Stratford Primary School Whānau Day.
Teacher Sheenagh Fairclough, head of the Taha Māori department, organised the day.
"Whānau Day connects the community and school community together. It enhances past traditions by teaching the kids how Māori traditionally prepared kai."
Sheenagh says everyone was involved.
"The children peeled the potatoes for the hāngī, the parents came in to help prepare and the community donated the veges and the meat."
The enviro stall had products the pupils had made themselves. The products included preserves, beeswax wraps, predator traps, kawakawa balm, lip balm and produce bags.
"All things on the stall were made by the kids. Being an enviro school is an integral part of our school," Sheenagh says.
"I like Whānau Day because of the food and having nana here," Sarah Anglesey (9) said.
Sarah's nana, Goldie Hignett says she enjoys getting to see what Sarah does at school.
Bev Anglesey, Sarah's other nana says the food was lovely.
"Who ever did the hāngī has done a very good job."
Abel Henderson (3) and Tashin Wetine (3) both enjoyed Whānau Day.
"I liked the fry bread. It was really nice."
"I liked the chicken." Tashin says.
As well as enjoying the hāngī, pupils and their families could look at books in the book fair.
"It is a cool day," said Jayden Strong (9). "I like the books because there is lots of them and I really like books."
Whānau Day also had live entertainment, with the Stratford and Districts Pipe Band performing.
Sheenagh says the event was very successful and she can't wait for next year's Whānau Day.
Stratford Press prints last issue as NZME closes 14 community papers nationwide.