Primary school students from across Christchurch at the Gut Foundation’s Gut Feelings expo, which was held over three days last week and supported by the Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust. 

Tamariki, parents and teachers from around Christchurch got in tune with their gut feelings as part of an inaugural three-day multi-sensory exhibition held by The Gut Foundation on Friday.  

The Gut Feelings exhibition was supported by Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust, which contributed $35k towards the event through its PAK’nSAVE, New World and Four Square member stores. 

More than 500 children, parents and teachers attended the event, a fun, hands-on, and interactive experience aimed at helping children learn about the importance of gut health, and eating the right foods to maintain a healthy gut microbiome.  

The Gut Foundation CEO Alice Fitzgerald said the event aimed to engage tamariki with information as early as possible about what they need to feed their ‘gut buddies’ for overall health and wellbeing.  

“New Zealand is experiencing declining gut and mental health rates, particularly among young people, and research suggests a strong link between the gut microbiome and brain function. Through this event, we aimed to make the science of gut health tangible and engaging for tamariki, so they understand how to nourish their digestive system for lifelong wellness.” 

The event was a huge success, Fitzgerald said, bringing science to life through interactive exhibits and playful challenges.  

Crusaders players Cullen Grace, Braydon Ennor and Johnny McNicholl, and Life Education Trust's mascot, Harold the Giraffe, were among special guests at the expo. 

The exhibition featured interactive activities designed to educate and engage children on gut health. Highlights included Crusaders rugby players, blindfolded, guessing gut-friendly foods fed by kids, and an Oke Charity garden installation where tamariki explored the link between soil microbiomes and healthy eating.  

Other attractions included a holographic digestive journey, an inflatable colon, a fast-paced digital food game, and the "Villi Wall," which illustrated nutrient absorption, particularly relevant for those with coeliac disease. 

Parents and teachers had the opportunity to hear from experts, including nutritionist and mental health coach Bronwyn Hudson, clinical psychologist and University of Canterbury professor Dr Julia Rucklidge, who specialises in nutritional interventions for mental illnesses, and All Blacks coach and Gut Foundation Ambassador Scott Robertson, a big advocate of the foundation’s mahi to create generational change.  

Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust chair Lucy Boock said the Trust was a long-time supporter of the foundation and was delighted to support its latest event.  

“Our co-op’s purpose, through our New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square stores, is to feed the South Island and create successful communities. Supporting the Gut Foundation’s educational initiatives means we’re investing in the health and future of our tamariki, equipping them with knowledge to make lifelong positive choices.”  

Fitzgerald expressed her gratitude to Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust for its contribution, as well as to event partners Oke Charity, Life Education, Bowel Screening Canterbury, Coeliac NZ, and The Crusade with Heart Foundation. 

“A huge thank you to everyone who helped bring this event to life – together, we’re shaping a healthier future for New Zealand’s next generation.” 

The Gut Foundation hopes to secure further funding to expand the exhibition nationwide in future.