Applications Open Now for our Eat NZ Kaitaki 2022/23

Join our 2022/2023 Eat New Zealand Kaitaki – a collective of next generation food leaders telling the Aotearoa Food Story.

APPLY NOW via the Official Application form here.

For the third year Eat New Zealand are seeking participants in our Kaitaki programme. Our Kaitaki are a diverse group of young people that represent all aspects of our food system; from production to food transformation, through to celebration and food experience. This unique cohort of individuals come from all corners of Aotearoa; from Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) to Rakiura (Stewart Island).

The Kaitaki initiative was launched in 2020 during the midst of the Covid-19 lockdown. We were looking for a way to support our young people and to emerge new food stories from a range of voices… The word 'Kaitaki' was gifted to us by Dr Hana O'Regan of Ngāi Tahu. It reflects the ability of this group to lead the way for what comes next.

The Eat New Zealand Kaitaki is supported by Our Land and Water National Science Challenge.

In their own ways they are working towards a future where all New Zealanders can be proud of our food. One where we can share a more resilient, healthy and equitable food system than we see today.

Among our collective we currently have: farmers, growers, gardeners, fishers, spear fishers, cray and pāua divers, beekeepers, hunters, winemakers, chefs, pastry chefs, bakers, coffee roasters, dietitians, artists, journalists, photographers, food technologists, environmental activists, scientists, entrepreneurs, students and regenerative agriculture enthusiasts… They each have a vision that speaks to more productive, transformative and improved outcomes for future generations. In their own way, they are already our food leaders.

The role of the Kaitaki is to capture a variety of content to help shine a light on what makes New Zealand unique in the world of food. These stories are shared across your own platforms and to our Eat New Zealand audience, as well as a range of media outlets and forums; including Stuff.co.nz and various regional publications throughout Aotearoa.

Our aspiration is that the connections, relationships and friendships made within this collective will foster collaboration over competition and build a community that represents different backgrounds, industries and experiences.

Being part of the Kaitaki provides the opportunity to contribute to our Eat New Zealand kaupapa including activities and events such as; Feast Matariki, a Local Grain Economy, Regional Food Stories and the Eat NZ Hui, our annual gathering described as 'the most important food conversation in New Zealand’.

Throughout the year, you will attend regular Kaitaki Kōrero conversations (via Zoom), with the chance to learn, connect and be challenged. You’ll be given relevant topics and asked to create compelling content across a range of mediums that could include; social media, written stories, videos, recipes, photos, illustrations, design, poetry, physical art etc.

Being part of this collective will provide the opportunity to further grow yourself and/or your business, to help establish a personal brand, to gain access to the wider Eat New Zealand community and to have the chance to create personalised content to be shared with a nationwide audience.

This is a truly unique opportunity to be part of the next generation of Aotearoa Food Leaders.

Hear from some of our current Eat New Zealand Kaitaki and take a look at what being part of this group has meant to them; WATCH HERE.

In 2022-2023 we are seeking the next round of Eat New Zealand Kaitaki recruits, who will join our first two cohorts in a collective to create over 90 inspiring and driven young people...

If this sounds like you (or someone you know) take the leap, tell us about yourself and your mahi and apply to be part of the Eat New Zealand Kaitaki.

APPLY NOW via the Official Application form here.

NB: Applications CLOSE on Wednesday 17th August at 5pm.

FAQs:

Q-What age do I need to be?

A- As long as you identify as ‘young’ that works for us!

Q- What if I plan to travel overseas throughout the year?

A- That’s fine. You become an official international correspondent who can report back to the cohort on your experience!

Q- Does it cost anything to be a Kaitaki?

A- No, just your time in a way that works for your life.

Q- Am I just a Kaitaki for a year?

A- Ahh, no. You’re pretty much a Kaitaki for life, but it’s during this first year you’ll be expected to contribute to the story-telling directly. Many of our past Kaitaki continue to contribute if and when it suits them as well, but this is optional.

More about Eat New Zealand:

Eat New Zealand is Aotearoa’s food movement, our vision is to connect people to our land and ocean, through our food. We are a collective of a broad range of people across the New Zealand food system from farmers to chefs.

We believe we have a globally unique food story which is connected to our natural places, our regions and our indigenous stories, people and ingredients. We encourage and enable collaboration between all levels of the culinary chain and support moves towards more regenerative systems.

www.eatnewzealand.nz

If you have any questions - get in touch with our Kaitaki Lead - Kate Underwood via email: kate@eatnewzealand.nz