A new community programme, The Kai Connection, is starting this February at Te Whare Awhi, hosted by Raahui Pookeka Community Centres Trust. Running for six weeks from Tuesday 10 February, 9.30am–12 noon, the programme uses food as a way to build confidence, life skills, and connection within the community.
Facilitated by Jodie Collins, The Kai Connection is a hands-on cooking and learning programme designed to support people to cook nutritious meals on a budget, reduce food waste, and develop practical skills they can use for life.
“Kai is something we all connect with,” says Jodie. “Many people want to cook well for themselves and their whānau but face barriers like cost, lack of confidence, or limited access to food education. This programme was created to turn that shared need into a positive, supportive learning experience.”
Learning Through Kai
Food is at the heart of the programme because it naturally brings people together. Cooking side by side creates a relaxed, non-judgemental environment where participants learn together, share stories, and support one another. Along the way, people also build everyday literacy and numeracy skills by reading recipes, measuring ingredients, adjusting quantities, and planning meals.
Participants will learn practical skills such as:
Basic cooking techniques and kitchen confidence
Planning and preparing low-cost, nutritious meals
Reading recipes and food labels
Safe food handling and storage
Reducing food waste and using leftovers creatively
Understanding seasonal and local food choices
These are skills that can be used immediately at home and passed on to whānau.
Supporting Hauora in All Its Dimensions
The Kai Connection takes a holistic approach to wellbeing, supporting all four dimensions of hauora.
Taha Tinana (Physical Wellbeing): Participants gain skills to prepare balanced, affordable meals, understand portion sizes, and make healthier food choices.
Taha Hinengaro (Mental & Emotional Wellbeing): Learning to cook builds confidence, reduces stress, and creates a strong sense of achievement in a supportive group setting.
Taha Whānau (Social Wellbeing): Cooking together encourages whakawhanaungatanga, strengthens relationships, and builds community connections.
Taha Wairua (Spiritual Wellbeing): Kai holds cultural and spiritual significance. Preparing and sharing food with intention fosters gratitude, identity, and belonging.
When these four walls are supported together, cooking becomes more than just making a meal — it becomes a pathway to empowerment and long-term wellbeing.
Who Is It For?
The Kai Connection is open to anyone in the community who wants to build confidence and skills around food. No prior cooking experience is needed, and everything is supplied. The programme is welcoming, inclusive, and adaptable, meeting people where they are.
Looking ahead, Jodie says she’s most excited to see participants grow in confidence and support one another.
“Watching people realise ‘I can do this’ — and then turn around to help someone else believe it too — is wonderful.”
How to Get Involved
The Kai Connection starts Tuesday 10 February, 9.30am–12 noon, at Te Whare Awhi.
6-week programme – Koha
Te Whare Awhi
07 828 0066
Book online: https://www.eventspronto.co.nz/event6623
