The myth that all children hate eating their greens has been completely dispelled by the students of Room 2 at Pillans Point School.

In celebration of World Vegetarian Day, the Tauranga school has been unveiled as the People's Choice winner of the New Zealand Vegetarian Society's 2016 Student Film Competition.

The students of Room 2 at Pillans Point School in Tauranga have won the People Choice award in the New Zealand Vegetarian Society's 2016 Student Film Competition. Image: PPS/YouTube

The students of Room 2 presented their four minute film ‘What does it mean to be a vegetarian?' as a television news report explaining what vegetarianism is, why people choose to embrace the way of life, plus the benefits of the diet for both people and the environment.

As well as this, their film features an interview with deputy principal and vegetarian Theresa Rosborough – famous vegetarian and Beatle Paul McCartney even pops up too, kinda.

For their efforts, the students have the gratification of knowing their film won the most votes from Kiwis all over the country, as well as a cash prize of $1000 for their school which has been sponsored by Linda McCartney Foods NZ.

NZ Vegetarian Society national manager Stephanie Lane says vegetarianism in New Zealand is growing rapidly.

'Going veg 28 years ago was the best thing I ever did. Everyone told me it was a phase but I've never looked back. I'm vegan now and my kids and I would hate to live any other way.”

She says vegetarianism has been shown to increase longevity and reduce risk of many major illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer, while also lessening the load on Mother Earth and being great for animals.

To celebrate World Vegetarian Day, this year the NZVS is also launching a new app called ‘Count your Community' which lets people find nearby vegetarians and vegans all around the country.

For more information about vegetarianism, the ‘Count your Community' app, as well as vegetarian recipes visit the NZ Vegetarian Society's website at: www.vegetarian.org.nz