Welcome to our May 2023 Pānui

Monthly Pānui
Written By Tric Malcolm

He kai kei āku ringaringa.

There is food at the end of my hands.

As our Pānui goes out this month we first acknowledge those connected to the fire at Loafers Lodge in Newtown, Wellington. Our aroha goes out to you, and especially our colleagues at Wellington City Mission as they wrap their aroha around those receiving continued care.

We acknowledge Budget 2023 released by the government on 18 May. We acknowledge the many aspects of this Budget which are intended to uplift those who are doing it tough - especially the removal of prescription charges. We also acknowledge the reduction in funds available in the Food Secure Communities aspect of the Budget. We empathise this will affect many of you at the frontline who have been receiving government assistance for what you do.

This shift also puts pressure on other funding available to community, as we all look for alternative streams while continuing to meet the need of those experiencing food insecurity in our communities. Let’s continue to work together, collaboratively, and to hold each other up as the funding landscape changes. There is much that is rich and beautiful in what we do, especially when we do it together.

 realising food secure communities in aotearoa

Amongst the wonderful diversity found all across Aotearoa there’s a commonality in our shared visions around kai – we all want food at the end of everyone’s hands.

Reaching out across the motu into the richness of our food tapestry, Kore Hiakai Zero Hunger Collective sought wisdom and local insights from many threads in the food space, and what we found was commonly clear. Localities have strong aspirations for communities to be food secure and show high level of interest in realising this.

In the pursuit of this shared vision, we are thrilled to release Realising Food Secure Communities in Aotearoa: A review of locally-led reports, plans, and strategies. This research presents the localised efforts of 30 organisations, that have produced 39 documents, focused on realising local food security.

Key insights found in this report showed there is consistency in shared vision and values to rebuild food systems in Aotearoa that are Local, Affordable, Connected, Healthy, Regenerative and Resilient, and the critical role communities and government can play in actualising food security. Many rohe emphasise the importance of embracing indigenous knowledge that is woven throughout Aotearoa, acknowledging our inherent differing worldviews from just the linear industrial food systems.


As you delve into the pages of this report, we hope you find inspiration that ignites your own visions, and that these serve as a reminder you are not alone on this journey.

contributing champions – report, plans and strategies reviewed

We give deep appreciation to the following for their collaborations and contributions, with links to their material which informed the report:

Te Tai Tokerau

Tāmaki Makaurau

East Coast, Tairāwhiti, Hawkes Bay

Taranaki, Manawatū, Whanganui, Wairarapa

Wellington

Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough, West Coast

Canterbury

Otago and Southland

With the 2023 Budget announcements sending uncertain waves to many in our community food distribution space, now more than ever is an opportunity for us to weave ourselves together to work towards long-term sustainable solutions. Realising food security requires an approach that values collaborations and the diversity of our communities, nurtures the environment and sustainable food systems, and encourages local economies. Let us embrace the opportunities these insights present to create an Aotearoa where there is food at the end of everyone’s hands.

Nga mihi,

Kore Hiakai Kaimahi

He kai kei āku ringaringa.

There is food at the end of my hands.

Tric Malcolm
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