Every plan starts with a seed—an idea grounded in place, community need, and vision. These “seeds” are diverse, shaped by local context, whakapapa, and aspirations. Planting these seeds is an act of creativity, care and resistance.  Strategy doesn’t have to be a big policy document—it can be a community garden, a food sovereignty kaupapa, a whānau-led food hub, a dream and a conversation between neighbours.

We acknowledge there are wider systemic responsibilities that aren’t being met within food and equity across our hapori and communities. However, what is evident is the strength and innovation of iwi, hapū and local communities stepping in where they can and leading from a place of care and connection. Together, they share a deep desire to provide a more coordinated approach to increasing food security while understanding challenges present.

Kai also refers to the taha moana, taha ngahere and taha awa, therefore these food sources have additional planning and regulations, local and central, law and lore around them. It is impossible to have a food strategy without it being linked to a biodiversity strategy.

·        Not all organisations that are providing food, and support communities, have food strategies

·        Food strategies are context specific so reflect the needs of the people, the whenua and consider access as well as local infrastructure and resources

·        These strategies are built with the community in mind and can support local iwi aspirations