NZAIMS Conference 2024 Highlights

We recently attended the NZAIMS Conference, where we connected with over 80 engaged teachers from across New Zealand. This was a valuable opportunity to introduce many educators to our Food Skills for Life (FSFL) programme, a partnership with the New Zealand Heart Foundation, and discuss how it can support their food classes and align with the New Zealand curriculum. For many teachers, it was their first introduction to the full suite of resources we offer.

The conference fostered insightful conversations about the link between good nutrition and student learning. Teachers were particularly interested in our new Add One More Vegetable initiative, a simple yet powerful message they can easily incorporate into their teaching. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many teachers praising the vibrancy and adaptability of our resources. They appreciated that our materials not only inspire healthier eating but also make it practical and achievable for students in everyday settings.

Highlight: Foods Deep Dive Day

A key highlight of the conference was the Foods Deep Dive Day, which provided teachers with hands-on experiences that deepened their understanding of the fresh produce sector and gave them new tools to enhance their classroom lessons.

The day began with a visit to MG Group, where teachers got an inside look at how fresh produce makes its journey from growers to supermarket shelves. This eye-opening experience gave them a new appreciation for the intricate logistics involved in getting fresh vegetables into the hands of consumers, including an in-depth explanation of produce handling, ripening processes, and biosecurity measures. This behind-the-scenes tour sparked conversations about the importance of sustainability and how we can encourage the next generation to value locally-grown vegetables.

The afternoon was spent in a kitchen masterclass at Casebrook Intermediate, led by local chef Mark McCracken. Based on our new Add One More Vegetable lesson plan, the session focused on practical skills teachers can take back to their classrooms. Teachers were guided through a hands-on demonstration including how to make a poke bowl using a variety of fresh ingredients. The masterclass covered key techniques such as knife skills, seasoning, and how to balance flavours and textures in a dish.

Mark also introduced creative ways to incorporate seasonal and budget-friendly vegetables, as well as alternative preparation methods such as quick-pickling and blanching. Teachers were encouraged to experiment with different vegetables and cooking techniques, which led to lively discussions about how to adapt recipes and resources for classroom use. The masterclass not only expanded their recipe repertoire but also gave them confidence in teaching students essential cooking skills.

Looking Ahead

The NZAIMS conference reinforced the value of providing teachers with high-quality, practical resources that can easily be integrated into their lessons. The enthusiasm and excitement teachers showed during the Foods Deep Dive Day highlighted the growing need for hands-on, engaging materials that both teach cooking skills and promote healthy eating habits.

We look forward to continuing to support teachers in bringing more vegetables into students' lives—not just through the health benefits of eating more fresh produce, but by helping to develop essential cooking skills that will last a lifetime. The impact of these efforts extends beyond the classroom, as students take home valuable knowledge about food preparation, nutrition, and the importance of New Zealand-grown vegetables.

Access the new Add One More Vegetable lesson plan, and full suite of Food Skills for Life resources here.