Community Led Food. Late Feb 2021

Yesterday I was involved in a meeting to advance the cause of a National Food Strategy for Aotearoa. It was both exciting and daunting. As an organisation we’ve been pushing for an inclusive, ‘people-led’ roadmap for the future of our food. Something that’s useful and meaningful on our farms, in our boardrooms, our classrooms and kitchens.

It’s quite clear major change is upon us, and whether we see that as good or bad depends on the tools we have available to deal with the change. Empowering us as food citizens gives us the best chance of making the most of these transformational times. How we access, grow, cook, make, celebrate and experience our food has never faced more challenges OR more opportunities.

We’ve asked our Kaitaki or next generation food story-tellers to consider Food Sovereignty over the last month or so. Food Sovereignty is simply democracy as a means to achieve food security. It’s a food system in which communities have a say. This is a video articulating what that means to them…

Regenerative Agriculture in Aotearoa: White Paper

Our Land and Water have just published a white paper titled: Regenerative Agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand – Research Pathways to Build Science-Based Evidence and National Narratives.

The paper is a result of intensive collaboration and consultation with more than 200 people from June to November 2020, including our CE Angela Clifford; along with farmers and growers, researchers, primary industry bodies, banks, retailers, non-governmental organisations, government departments, large corporates, consultants, marketers, overseas researchers and educators. It's important reading for anyone involved in the food sector...

Read the Regen Ag Paper...

Stuff Article: Pressure on Small Farms

Do our family farms have a future? What would it mean for those celebrating our food & telling our stories if they didn’t? We were asked to add our thoughts to this article. What do you think?

Read the Small Farms article...

And the Cheese / Survey winner is....

Thanks so much to those who completed our Community Survey, the insights and comments from over 300 of you have been hopeful and encouraging. In early March our Executive Committee will meet to discuss the direction of Eat New Zealand moving forward, and your feedback will help shape the future of what comes next...

Congratulations to Elaine Rush, a Professor of Nutrition from AUT, she is the lucky recipient of $100 worth of NZ cheese produced from small, independent cheesemakers thanks to New Zealand Cheese.

Every Day Recipes by My Darling Lemon Thyme.

We've long been a fan of food writer, author, gardener and Raglan-local Emma Galloway of @mydarlinglemonthyme. With her infamous flavour-packed, no-fuss vegetarian recipes, for over a decade she's been inspiring people across the globe to cook and eat better and she's about to launch her third cookbook: Every Day.

Emma shares "This book is my answer to the numerous cries for help I’ve heard over the years, from people struggling to create affordable, achievable and nourishing food for themselves and their families." She also has an incredible vege garden and often hosts virtual garden tours on her Instagram stories.

Well worth a follow if you're in need of some green-fingered tips or inspiration! Set to hit the shelves from April 7th. You can pre-order Emma's book here.

Regional Food Events: Feb/March

Essence of Tairawhiti, Gisborne A&P Showgrounds, Saturday 27th February Food is the essence of life and community in Tairāwhiti and this event celebrates it all! Local growers, producers and entertainment plus educational masterclasses, celebrity chefs and local artisan winemakers.

Summer Feast Marlborough, On now throughout Marlborough until April 2nd A host of delicious food events taking place throughout the Marlborough region from Film + Feast events, Forest Sunday Sessions, Summer Vines and more...

Twizel Salmon & Wine Festival, Lake Ruataniwha, Saturday 27th February In it's 16th year, will host a day of tasting local salmon, plus beer and wine from a collection of the South Island's best craft breweries and boutique wineries.

Motueka Kai Fest, Goodman Reserve, Sunday 28th February A celebration of kai with a focus on connecting the Motueka community, building resilience and coming together to appreciate local water, soil, climate and people.

Gindulgence Gin Festival, Christchurch 27th-28th February New Zealand's original single-site gin festival and indulge in an afternoon of tastings, distiller talks, cocktails, great local food and live entertainment.

North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival, Waipara Valley, Sunday 7th March The coolest little wine festival is back for 2021, with a host of delicious local wine, food, tunes, family fun, coffee and more.

Southland Multicultural Food Festival, Invercargill, Saturday 20th March Food stalls and performers from a range of diverse cultures will be the highlight of this gastronomic celebration for those lucky enough to reside in the Southland region.

The NZ Food Waste Summit, Manukau, Auckland, Monday 22nd March, This summit builds on the work of WasteMINZ’ Love Food Hate Waste Campaign and New Zealand Food Waste Champions 12.3 Food Waste Reduction Map and will explore te whakakore i te moumou kai, mai i te whenua ki te tēpu – food waste prevention from paddock to plate.

Hop 'N' Vine Beer, Wine, Cider & Food Festival, Southland, 27th March Held at ILT stadium in Invercargill, locals and visitors are invited to experience craft beers, boutique wines and eclectic southern foods at this unique event.

If you have a food-centric event coming up - email: kate@eatnewzealand.nz