Kai Research & Kaupapa

Our kaupapa is for all our whānau to always have enough kai so they can thrive in whānau, practise manaakitanga and contribute to a healthy kai system.
Kai to us means much more than food. Kai is a unique Māori way of living that is deeply grounded in our mātauranga. It is part of a system of knowledge, values, practices and relationships that reinforces our collectivity and cultural identity. Kai is important to the oranga, waiora and hauora of every member of our whānau and to the well-being of our future generations.

Today we face big challenges in relation to kai. Issues related to kai sovereignty and security, socio- economic and health inequities, environmental degradation and climate change mean that many of our whānau do not always have enough kai and are not able to participate in or contribute to a healthy kai system.

We need to prepare for our future by also preparing for the future of our kai, our approaches, practices, systems and relationships. This means revitalising our cultural ideas about kai as well as creating new ideas, practices and technologies about our kai system. Our goal is to undertake research and deliver projects that ultimately support whānau to have access to enough culturally appropriate, nourishing kai so they can thrive in whānau, practice manaakitanga and contribute to a healthy kai system.

Current Projects

The Health and Populations Research Institute is currently working on a number of health-related projects.

Marae Gastronomy

This initiative explores the mātauranga and tikanga (customs) of kai across diverse marae.

Mataatua Declaration Symposium

Partnerships/Funding: Te Puni Kōkiri

With a focus on protecting the Mataatua Declaration on Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property Rights and WAI262, this project is creating a new generation of kaitiaki (cultural guardians). It is a vital step in preserving the cultural identity of Māori.

Intergenerational Kai Sovereignty

Partnerships/Funding: Te Puni Kōkiri

“Bringing the kai of our ancestors to the mouths of our pēpī (infants),” is a venture dedicated to passing on the love for kai from one generation to the next. By introducing parents and pēpī to kai sovereignty practices, they ensure that the taste for kai is cultivated from an early age.

“He Kai Kei Aku Ringa” Podcast

The joint venture has taken to the airwaves with a series of podcasts that delve into diverse kōrero (conversations) about kai. These episodes offer a unique window into the world of kai and traditions and serve as a platform for sharing invaluable mātauranga.

Kai Memories

Recognising the profound connection between kai and memory, the project seeks to record the kai memories of whānau, with special emphasis on kaumātua (elders). This initiative is a treasure trove of experiences, stories, and knowledge that will shape future research and knowledge exchange.

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