On Sunday, 31st of August, our Food Warriors group, part of the Food Security Puna Wānanga, together with the Cultural Preservation Puna Wānanga, had the privilege of joining the annual Tzu Chi Foundation (慈濟基金會) event.
Founded in Taiwan, the Tzu Chi Foundation is a global humanitarian organisation that promotes compassion, sustainability, and care for communities through initiatives such as vegetarian culture, disaster relief, and medical aid.
This collaboration brought together two of our puna groups with an international community partner at a global level. The day began with an introduction to Tzu Chi’s values and its impact around the world, before the community came together to celebrate through food. A variety of vegetarian dishes were prepared and shared, with mini food stalls run by volunteers including our students. We cooked and served our own creations on site, encouraging “green eating” and showing how sustainable choices can make a difference.
What made the event special was the sense of connection. People of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds came together, united by food and compassion. For us, it was more than just about cooking, it was about learning how food can bridge cultures, spark conversations, and inspire change.
The highlight came when our involvement reached beyond New Zealand. Students were interviewed and featured in Taiwan’s national news coverage of the event, showcasing how even at a local level, we are part of a global movement. You can watch the coverage here: https://youtu.be/nQYNokR-BWY.
This experience showed us that making an impact doesn’t stop at the school gates. As the Food Warriors and the Cultural Preservation group, we are excited to continue partnering with both local and international organisations like the Tzu Chi Foundation, using food and culture as ways to promote sustainability, kindness, and community care.
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