That's a wrap on The Eat NZ Hui 2022

There are moments whilst organising an event during a global pandemic when you seriously question your sanity. I confess to a number of such moments. But there was a clear signal from our constituency that now, more than ever, we needed to bring people together, both in person and online. And so we did. What we didn’t anticipate was the incredible reaction and feedback, making it by far our most successful Hui ever. Successful in terms of overall attendees, social media impressions and media outcomes. But the greatest measure of success was the messages of thanks for giving hope and connection. Humbling stuff. The two days were packed full of people and ideas so we’re going to start with the first day here and follow up with our efforts to establish a Local Grain Economy for Aotearoa.

If food is your thing, and you haven’t tuned into this conversation yet, I highly, HIGHLY recommend you do. We’ll share more details on our social media (@eat.newzealand) but the simplest way is to grab a recording to listen at your convenience. It’s an awesome way to support our kaupapa as a not for profit and we genuinely think it will inform and give you hope as well.

Purchase tickets to view the full day of recordings from the Eat NZ Hui 2022 here.

See the Session Overview for Day 1 - Tues 3rd May, including speakers here. Stay tuned next week for links to the Eat NZ Grains day.

Note: Only attendees and those who purchase tickets will have access to view.

I couldn't make it - but I'm keen to view the recordings!

Stuff: Dan Barber on NZ food

It was an extraordinary opportunity to have one of the world’s most famous chefs turn his attention to Aotearoa. Dan Barber is probably the most famous food systems thinker on planet, so his influence is vast. His insight and understanding of our food and how we grow it was razor-sharp, and he captivated us all with his understanding and ability to articulate it. An absolute must to listen to his kōrero.

To see Dan's full interview from the Eat NZ Hui, you can purchase tickets here.

Show me the Dan Barber Article on Stuff.co.nz

Regenerative Fishing Model Expands!

We’ve been working with Nate Smith from Gravity Fishing on this project which was announced at last week’s Hui. Community access to fish and a sustainable living for our small fishers is at the very core of our kaupapa and it’s beyond exciting to see this come to fruition…

Nate (Kai Tahu) is a regenerative fisher, father, fisher, NZ producer and all round harvester of wild things - he's also an Eat NZ Kaitaki. As one of our very few small-scale fishers, most recently he's created the Gravity Experience where he takes people into the wilds of Rakiura / Stewart Island to experience kaimoana prepared by our best chefs. He's re-defining food tourism in Aotearoa in the process and is committed to getting #FishForThePeople. You can read more about this huge win here.

Tell me more about Nate's Sustainable Fishing Model...

Join The Realness!

It was awesome having Damaris Coulter founder of The Realness with us as part of Day 1 for the Eat NZ Hui. We love her mahi and we want to encourage any owner-operated business to become part of The Realness...

What exactly is it? The Realness is an independent online directory that champions & connects one of a kind owner-operated businesses, and First Nations offerings to those looking for niche artisans and an alternative to the mainstream. It allows independent operators to showcase themselves in their own words, whilst being part of a likeminded community of businesses.

It's a sure fire way to find 'your people'.

Find out more on their website here, or on Instagram @therealnessworld.

Join The Realness.

Hui Attendee Prize Winners

Congratulations to the lucky winners below who attended the Hui in-person and online respectively...

In-person Attendee: Winner of a full version of The Great Aotearoa Sampler Box of Biscuits:

Katherine Mueller - Executive Chef at Crowne Plaza in Christchurch

Online Attendee: Winner of Dinner for Two at MAPU Restaurant in Lyttelton (valued at $700)

Manuel Blank - PhD Student in Wellington