As New Zealand marks National Volunteer Week, 91-year-old Jocelyn Coburn is recognised for her ongoing commitment to helping others.

A member of the Kawerau Rotary Club, she is believed to be Kura Kai's oldest volunteer.

Coburn became involved in Kura Kai through the club's volunteer efforts. Once every term, Rotary volunteers join Tarawera High School junior and senior prefects, Teen Parent Education Centre students and staff for large-scale cook-ups, preparing meals that are frozen and then distributed to the school community.

Kura Kai operates in 45 high schools across New Zealand. The charity raises funds to purchase chest freezers, which are donated to high schools, then helps build a community of volunteers who help students cook nutritious meals.

Last Thursday, the team worked together in the commercial style kitchen at the teen parent unit to make curried sausages on rice and spaghetti bolognese.

The meals were cooled and frozen in individual meal trays before being distributed to students and whānau.

Coburn, who turns 92 in November, has lived in Kawerau for nearly 60 years.

She says staying involved in the community helps keep her connected.

“It keeps me active and alive and involved. I’ve always been involved in a lot of community activities and things.”

Kura Kai operates under the kaupapa of “whānau cooking for whānau”, supporting secondary schools to provide meals for students and families who need a little extra support, while encouraging young people to learn the value of manaakitanga and caring for their communities.

For Coburn, one of the highlights is returning to a school where she once worked.

Before retiring, she spent many years as a teacher and careers adviser at Tarawera High School, formerly Kawerau College.

“I enjoy it,” she said of being back at the school in a volunteer capacity.

“I enjoy mixing with the students. They learn a few catering skills, and how to get on and work together in a group situation and mix with adults.”

Teen parent manager and Rotary Club member Kylie Torkington said Coburn had been involved in the programme since the town’s Kura Kai initiative began about five years ago.

“She’s humble; she just wants to get in and do the mahi,” she said.

Torkington said the cook-ups brought together teen parents, student leaders and community volunteers in a way that benefitted everyone involved.

“Today, we have prefects, teen mama as well as the Rotary volunteers. It's a good mix of ages. Just now, we've run out of packages, so it's growing to the point where we're giving out a lot more.

“The more people know about it, the more they’'re able to give to others. And I've had students come in and ask now, which is good. So, we’re removing those barriers. It’s growing in impact.”

Kura Kai student ambassador and prefect Mia Waiari said taking part in the cook-ups had been a rewarding experience.

“It’s a really great opportunity,” she said.

“I like how we coordinate together and get to know a little bit about each other.”