Whananaki School is known for its creative ability to utilise resources within its local environment and vibrant community. Azeez - a wonderful chef new to the area, and Whananaki School joined forces last year to create delicious, fresh and beautifully presented kai for the children and staff as part of the healthy lunches in schools kaupapa.

A strong sense of manaaki is evident during lunchtime at Whananaki school as Azeez, who takes pride in every detail of cooking presents the tamariki and staff with mouth-watering kai abundant with flavour and colours from his own cultural style of cooking.

Vegetables and herbs grown in the school garden are added to the daily lunches, which informs what the students decide to plant and grow themselves. The lunches are served, and equally received with aroha, every student respectfully thanking Azeez for what they know is a delicious, healthy lunch, and heaps of FUN to eat! The junior class say “It’s sooo delicious – I love it!”, “It’s super tasty!”

Check out this short video and see the kai here