Catlins Cultural Cuisine
Learners enrolled in the Food Technology programme at The Catlins Area School complete a unit each year that celebrates cultural foods. During that unit students can select the culture that they would like to 'celebrate' with their research and practical Food Technology work. The following student describes her work exploring the cultural flavours and traditions of The Catlins region of New Zealand:

I have invited my friends from Central Otago who do not have access to seafood very often, for a Mid Summer reunion and thought that I should prepare a “Seafood Meal” night since they love eating seafood. I live in Kaka Point and some of the seafood can be collected along the Catlins Coast as it is available all year round and costs less. I have created my own recipes and originality entailing a variety of different types of seafood such as prawns, salmon and mussels, based on the local foods and flavours, to create an inviting menu for my visitors. I have presented a selection of food which is low cost including vegetables and salad that are grown in my garden, consisting of potato, broccoli, carrots and tomato.

I have chosen equipment such as dishes or plates that are suitable for serving sizes for each visitor. I have also chosen garnishes that are suitable for my dishes using shape, colour and texture to enhance the presentation and taste. My entrée is called “KP Reefs” which contains prawns and mussels which are cooked in garlic butter, with slices of shrimp roll as a complimentary meal. For my Main, I have chosen a “Fresh Salmon Steak”, cooked and then sprinkled with lemon pepper and lemon slices and served hot with vegetables. This meal was prepared adhering to safe food and hygiene practices. At the end of the practical, there were at least four teachers who moderated my meals and the way I presented them and it was a success.

The Catlins Area School Kapa Haka Group
The school Kapa Haka group has a proud tradition of performing at school and community events. They have also been called upon for regional combined Kapa Haka schools festivals.

We are very proud of our Kapa Haka group at The Catlins Area School, and see it as a wonderful way to express our connection to the cultural traditions of the local Iwi.

The Catlins Area School Marae Visit
The Catllins Area School has an annual trip to a Marae  in early December to learn more about Maori  tikanga and enrich our Te Reo Maori learning.

This year we are going to the Hokonui Whanau Marae in Gore, and look forward to better understanding Marae protocol and taking part in some hands-on activities.

The Catlins Area School Hangi
The school Hangi is held each year in March, and is one of the most popular evenings on the school calendar. There is always a great turnout of parents, students and community members. The food was is prepared onsite, in a hangi pit, and the evening's entertainment is provided by the TCAS Kapahaka group.

From donations of food, to setting up, putting down and lifting the hangi, there are many people involved in making the evening go well, and through that shared work - and the shared eating of the hangi - The Catlins Area School is able to truly celebrate not only the bi-cultural nature of New Zealand, but also the spirit of community and teamwork.