There is a whakatauki that speaks to kai production, ‘iti noa, he pito mata’, referring to a small uncooked portion of kumara replanted to produce many more.

In other words, with care, a small seed can sustain many people. From this whakatauki, we not only draw on the notion of potential from the seed – or kumara, but the fundamental interconnected relationship between our soils and people.

Waiho i te toipoto kaua i te toiroa.

Let us keep close together not wide apart.

As summer fades and autumn arrives, here at Kore Hiakai we begin a new season as Wayne Paaka, our Pou Māori, moves on with his sights set on new horizons. While we say our goodbyes, and support Wayne as he transitions into his new role, we take this opportunity to mihi him, and to champion all he has done in our space for Kai sovereignty. 

Since the worldwide COVID pandemic began during 2020, continuing its impact throughout 2021, it was evident from the beginning Aotearoa did not have a consistent way of counting the rising number of Food Parcels being distributed (or a standardised practice within the sector to quantify nutritional adequacy).

Many of us are optimistic and hungry for an Aotearoa where everyone has dignified access to enough good food, although lately times have been tough. As COVID lockdowns continue to have an impact on food security, we have seen community resources go down, workloads go up, and uncertainty rise.

This world is a much better place for all the good people who authentically do good. Volunteers especially are often the extended threads in many of our champion stories. They are frequently woven into spaces where funding is constrained and resourcing limited, genuinely helping to make an invaluable difference.

It’s not just about filling bellies with a pre-set Food Parcel for a North Taranaki Foodbank. It’s about delivering services in a dignified manner and utilising local resourcing to help make a healthier, more secure difference to those experiencing hardship.

By seeking solutions to support whanau in their community, Kōkiri Mārae are working alongside those most in need to steer the way out of food insecurity