Educational fun and sensory delights at the Incredible Kai Experience

From slippery, slimey tuna (native eels) to the warmth and crackle of the campfire, it was a full-on sensory experience for tamariki and their whānau at the Incredible Kai Experience on Friday 29 April.

Capping off the first ever Eye on Nature EcoFest, the Beautification Trust hosted the free day of fun, educational activities at the Auckland Botanic Gardens to end the April school holidays.

Tamariki and their whānau enjoyed learning about and meeting some tuna (native eels) with local expert Brent Condon, a.k.a. The Eel Whisperer. Then it was on to flax weaving, clay moulding and a kai sensory experience with Conscious Kids.

“It was wonderful seeing so many smiling faces and the looks of wonder and delight as we learned and created together,” says Dawn Crispe, the Beautification Trust’s Community Manager.

The day was fuelled by a delicious lunch of hāngī and vege curry, provided by Papatoetoe Food Hub. Later on, Conscious Kids set up a cracking campfire with marshmallows and hot chocolate to end the afternoon with warm fuzzies.

The Beautification Trust is grateful to our partners who collaborated to deliver this special, free school holiday event. It wouldn't have been possible without The Eel Whisperer, Conscious Kids, Papatoetoe Food Hub and Auckland Botanic Gardens.