Hope in dark moments

I want to start by acknowledging what a difficult time this is for everyone in the upper part of Aotearoa, cleaning up from the recents floods and facing the uncertainty of Cyclone Gabrielle. There is no doubt that mitigation of increasingly chaotic weather systems will need to feature strongly in our food future.

To that end I recently wrote an opinion piece in Stuff calling for more strategic thinking for our food security, and a proposed solution which encourages diversity as well as support for communities and individuals - from farmers to eaters.

I would love your feedback on the idea and encourage conversation whether you support it or not. It’s been wonderful to watch people in Auckland support each other, it reminds me of the efforts after both the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes, and is proof of the power of community when things get tough.

Another ray of sunshine coming out of Tāmaki this week has been Cuisine Magazine's announcement of their most influential and inspiring women in food and drink. I feel humbled to be part of this cohort and so proud that it also includes executive member Sarah Meikle and two of our Eat NZ Kaitaki, Hannah Miller & Kārena Bird.

I can think of at least another 50 women who could be on that list, which fills me with hope about the richness and depth of this group for the future. Congratulations to Kelli Brett who has continually held a torch not only for women but our Aotearoa food story in general.

Angela Clifford, CE Eat New Zealand. @eat.newzealand

#KnowYourFarmer #KnowYourFisher #EatNZGrains #GrowFoodCommunities #EatNZKaitaki #RepurposeTheSurplus #LotOfLittle #Biodiversity #WIFDNZ

[Image of a field in Pukekohe via Stuff]

Take me to the full Opinion piece on Stuff.co.nz

Influential Women in Food & Drink

Stories from our #EatNZKaitaki

Otago Polytechnic student and one of our #EatNZKaitaki, Joe Flaherty is on a mission to investigate how food both shapes and reflects the culture around it.

Joe is a writer who grew up in Dunedin, he’s been working in kitchens since he was fourteen and has a Bachelor of Culinary Arts at the Otago Polytechnic with a focus on Food Writing. He has written for Critic – the Otago University student magazine and has contributed to The Valley Voice, writing recipes and analysing interesting eras of food history.

In his latest Substack story, he shares a long-form essay called "I've been thinking a lot lately about rabbits." - it covers the intersection between rabbits as a pet, pest and food. It's a brilliant read. You can find it here.

Another Kaitaki - Olivia Sisson wrote an excellent story over on The Spinoff where she asked the question "Are organic vegetable boxes better value than the supermarket?". In this extensive piece, she undertook a price comparison that might change the way you buy your veges.

Read the full Spinoff piece here and check out her IG post to find a list of other vege boxes around the country.

Flavours of Plenty Festival!

The Coastal Bay of Plenty will come alive once again for the Flavours of Plenty Festival next month. From 24th March - 2nd April 2023, locals and visitors will enjoy a mount-watering line-up of food events, pop-up restaurants and cuisine challenges. Top chefs, brewers and talented food producers will showcase with their knowledge and expertise. Go behind-the-scenes to see how unique products are made, grown and harvested. Book a hands-on workshop or gather friends for a fabulous tasting tour. Tickets are on sale now.

Show me the Flavours of Plenty Festival Programme

Sik Fan Lah! A Food TV Series

Sik Fan Lah! is set to be a culinary adventure across Aotearoa New Zealand, where we uncover hilarious and hearty stories of modern Kiwi-Chinese life through the universal love for food. Whether it’s a 65kg whole roast pig, claypot rice cooked in the Otago goldfields, or geothermal Chinese pāua in Rotorua – there is set to be plenty to munch on! This six-part series is made with the support of NZ on Air.

Throughout the series, you'll spot a few of our #EatNZKaitaki, including Vicki Young and Ruby White. It also features Masterchef 2022 and barista champ Sam Low, Olympic Gold medallist Tyla Nathan Wong, and many more from the Kiwi-Chinese community.

Set your alarms and tune in this Sunday 12th Feb from 10am on TVNZ1, or watch it on demand.

"When it’s time to eat, we say SIK FAN LAH!"