Hauora, positivity, learning, nutrition: Making healthier food choices in the hospitality training sector has become a lot easier thanks to Healthy Families Far North.
Health promoting within education institutions is somewhat conventional, however the approach from QRC Tai Tokerau for a sustainable, student-led, system of pastoral care that focuses academic success and social responsibility.
QRC Tai Tokerau Resort College, together with Healthy Families Far North, has taken an important step in creating a long-term, sustainable policy that supports the health and well-being of its students with the design of an innovative healthy kai and wai policy.
QRC Tai Tokerau operate a residential-based education philosophy at two campuses in the Far North, Kerikeri and Paihia. Through the provision of halls of residence and support services for its tourism operation, hospitality management and culinary school, QRC Tai Tokerau students are engaged in a system of that strengthens their learning capacity recognising that health and well-being are linked with learning and engagement.
Healthier students learn better, more educated students lead healthier lives and all students and staff benefit from the commitment from QRC Tai Tokerau.
A design team of QRC students and staff alongside Healthy Families Far North innovators worked together to consider the blueprint of the healthy kai policy and a strategy to implement as a practice. With 85% of the current student body at ORC Tai Tokerau being of Māori descent and 70% having whakapapa to Te Taitokerau, this unique connection and the interrelationships associated with that set-in motion a process that has far-reaching potential.
Healthy Families speaks to students and staff of QRC Tai Tokerau on the policies process, progress and the benefits across the institution.