A backyard full of fruit trees has inspired Busy Bee’s Early Childhood Centre Māpua to create a pātaka kai stall for the community to share.
Centre manager Tracey Hall says the centre collects an assortment of fruit from the property during summer, and staff realised they had an opportunity to involve the children in their community.
A colourful pātaka kai (pantry) now sits on the grass verge outside the centre where the community can also share surplus food.
“Community is a massive part of our philosophy and we want our children to learn they are part of the community - here and the wider community - and can contribute to that.”
The centre worked alongside Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu Charitable Trust on the idea, creating the stall as a way for tamariki to learn about kaitiakitanga, or caring for their world.
Tracey says the stall is for everyone in the community, whether they have something to share or need to take something home, and she hopes it will become a place of kindness, generosity and connection.
