This research project explores research regarding food insecurities and lack of food sovereignty knowledge within primary schools in Aotearoa. This project explores the gaps within our New Zealand curriculum and ways to educate the coming generations about the importance of using our natural environment to regenerate food and give back to our whenua.

The planting toolkit is an educational, hands-on learning tool that can be used in primary school environments throughout Aotearoa. This toolkit has been designed to encourage the learnings and practices behind Te Tiriti o Waitangi, specifically for children aged 7-8 years.

Aotearoa's deeply rooted culture lies within the stories of our whenua. The current schooling curriculum has the opportunity to integrate more knowledge of Māori planting practices through the use of the planting toolkit.

This specific toolkit caters towards sugar snap peas. This plant grows best in New Zealand's climate through the months of August to October. Children are encouraged to nurture their plant over a 60-80 day period to reap the rewards of a healthy plant and a homegrown snack.

In addition to this, the toolkit provides additional learnings throughout the term for children to engage with and learn further about their plant and the learnings of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.