Orewa College Year 13 Food Tech and Envirogroup students explore the future of food through visits to My Food Bag, Gorilla Kitchen and Kelmarna Gardens.

From Kitchen to Community Garden: A Real-World Look at the Future of Food

Year 13 ākonga from Food Technology and the Envirogroup recently took part in a one-day immersive trip exploring Aotearoa’s food system from plate to paddock.

The day began at My Food Bag HQ in Auckland, where students heard directly from leaders in product development and marketing. “It was inspiring to see how many career opportunities exist in the food sector,” said one student. “They really value creativity and sustainability.”

Next stop: Gorilla Kitchen. There, students sampled innovative plant-based kai and learned how small businesses are driving change in what we eat, how it’s made, and who it serves.

The final visit was to Kelmarna Community Farm, a regenerative urban farm that grows organic produce and teaches sustainable practices. From composting to closed-loop food systems, students saw what a future-focused approach to food can look like.

The trip sparked curiosity around food ethics, environmental responsibility, and career pathways in the food industry.

Ngā mihi to My Food Bag, Gorilla Kitchen and Kelmarna Gardens for their manaakitanga and support.

📷 Kate Newman