Families in Te Puke are being invited to step out and explore their community through food, learning and play at the upcoming Kids Kai Trail on Saturday, May 2.

Running from 10am to 1pm, the free event is part of the wider Flavours of Plenty festival, a Bay of Plenty-wide celebration of local food and produce. The Kids Kai Trail offers a hands-on, family-friendly experience where tamariki can explore, taste and learn alongside their parents.

The trail begins at Jubilee Park’s Te Puke Community Gardens, before winding its way through Giggles Early Learning Centre and the Te Puke Heritage Centre. Along the way, families can enjoy garden-fresh treats, interactive activities and opportunities to learn about healthy eating.

Giggles Early Learning Centre manager Shona Ua-Marsh said the event is a highlight for both the centre and the wider community.

“We did one last year, our first one, and this will be the second one,” she said. “Even though it’s in our backyard, the community garden supplies the local pātaka kai and supports the community. It’s also taken care of by the children – it’s their classroom.”

Ua-Marsh said the Kids Kai Trail reflects the centre’s holistic approach to learning, where tamariki are actively involved in planting, harvesting and sharing food.

“They’re learning about being able to plant and harvest, and manaakitanga – sharing and supporting our community. It’s about teaching them in a holistic way, including our Māori values.”

Te-Awaiti Wharearere, 4, in the garden at Giggles Early Learning Centre in Te Puke. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

The event is a collaborative effort led by Colab Community Trust, with input from a range of local organisations and businesses. Ua-Marsh said planning begins well in advance, with a focus on making the event bigger and better each year.

“We work together to enhance our community in ways we can all support it. We all collaborate and talk about how we can make it more enjoyable and get the community involved.”

At Giggles Early Learning Centre, families will be able to relax and enjoy the outdoor environment, including the māra kai (vegetable garden) and a playground featuring a trampoline, flying fox and sandpit.

Other highlights along the trail include making a garden-fresh snack at the community gardens and visiting the Capitol Theatre to watch a short film and learn about the “three kete of knowledge” around healthy eating, alongside tasting local kiwifruit treats.

Entry to the Kids Kai Trail is free, with only children needing to register. Dietary requirements, including gluten-free and dairy-free options, can be catered for.

Organisers said the event is a chance for families to connect with local food, spaces and each other.

“Bring the whānau and take a stroll,” Ua-Marsh said. “It’s about enjoying what we have here and celebrating our community.”

The Kids Kai Trail is one of many events taking place as part of Flavours of Plenty, which runs across the coastal Bay of Plenty until May 3.