The Peu Maori category looks at areas such as planting, traditional practices, cleaning of public facilities and historical sites. For this round of the competition, the judging was focused on the school garden programmes who work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture. These schools included Apii Takitumu, Apii Te Uki Ou, Apii Arorangi, and Apii Avarua.

Sieni Tiraa, Destination Development coordinator said that, “the Vaka Pride community initiative aims to assist with the preservation and conservation efforts, revival of traditional practices as well as rewarding individuals or groups who contribute to significant community activities. These awards will help them to maintain their ongoing good work in the community

The Vaka Pride committee scored the different schools based on a set criteria. The Vaka Pride committee are made up of mixed representative from the public sector and Non-Government organization. The school gardens were scored based on their presentations, types and variety of crops, innovative use of planting methods and the use of their crops. Congratulations to the following winners.

Fourth placing for the school gardens and winning $700 in cash went to Apii Arorangi- this school uses their plants for Maori medicine amongst other things. This stood out for the committee as Peu Maori is also about passing on of knowledge to the next generation.

Third placing ($800) Apii Takitumu – their students mentioned their composting efforts and the worn farm that they have, which aligns with our core value Mana Tiaki.

Second placing ($900) goes to Apii Te Uki Ou – Their students mentioned that the school garden project will help nurture their life skills and will hopefully assist with less imports and processed foods and of course healthier eating.

First placing and winning $1,100 in cash goes to Apii Avarua – They have an initiative called Garden to table where the students use the crops that they have planted for cooking lessons and also for healthy sandwiches for sandwich day.

As this section was a in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, it was only fitting that the prizegiving was to be held in together 

For more Vaka Pride information please contact Sieni Tiraa on [email protected] or +682 29435