Kai Sovereignty Series
Ngā Āhuatanga o te Kai, host a range of wananga and workshops – educating whanau with young pēpi about the different aspects of kai nutrition, kai traditions and kai education. Kai Nutritionist Julia Kihi-Coates and Distinguished Professor Linda Smith, have imparted a wealth of Kai mātauranga, ranging from traditional, historical kai methods, dietary and nutrition education, Wai U korero and created a confident and open space to discuss kai memories and practices.
Since October, our roopu visited two different Maara in the Eastern Bay area particularly Poroporo, with Whaea Mate and Matua Sonny, and their neighbour Matua Victor who both shared different expertise within their own Maara and how this contributes to the marae and community in their area. Our roopu were able to take home their own Maara starter kits and begin their Kai journey for their whanau.
We aim to provide parents the tools and education, to utilize kai Māori incorporating these skills or mātauranga into their everyday lives and meals for their whanau and tamariki.
Our goal is to provide sustainable kai practices that can be passed on through generations, motivate our whanau to grow, prepare, cook their own kai, educate and share knowledge of traditional kai methods, encourage a self-sustainable kai journey.
In February, Whaea Maxine from Wairaka spent valuable time with our roopu, teaching them her traditional preserving methods by making both Tomato and Kamokamo relish.
From this, our roopu gained knowledge about preservation, kai preparation, health and safety in the kitchen with our pēpi, and a beautiful recipe to pass on through generations.
