Please join us for a full day gathering of foodies on the island from growers and farmers, through to food makers, sellers, distributors, and those working on access to food in the community.

This event is free to attend, and open for everyone to come along and learn about the story of food on Waiheke and the issues that we face here.

Waiheke Food Resilience Hui Programme

8:30AM | Powhiri lead by Piritahi Marae, followed by a cuppa tea. Please arrive on time for the Powhiri.

Programme curated —and facilitated on the day— by Emily King, Spira.

9:30AM | Introduction — Bianca Ranson

9:45AM | Panel discussion

Why are we here? — Alice McSherry, Bianca Ranson and Chardy Parkes

As an island off the mainland of Aotearoa, with pressing issues of climate change and associated droughts and water shortages, challenging growing conditions, lack of productive land and the realities of human health impacts of a broken food system, Waiheke has a unique set of conditions facing its food system. This panel will unpack why we are here and the need for change with perspectives of matāuranga / te Ao Māori, food production, health, farming and growing on Waiheke.

10:25AM | Panel discussion

Realities of Waiheke’s foodscape — Alex Mansell, Kathy Voyles, Rory Dunleavy, and Wendy Kendall

The realities of operating for food businesses given the remote location and reliance on ferry freight for our food imports means Waiheke has a unique food system profile and associated higher costs of food and transportation. We also have excess food that is wasted and people that can’t afford the higher costs of food. This panel will discuss what it’s like to make and sell food on the island and how we can deal with issues of food loss and waste with perspectives of food businesses, restaurants, distributors, and food rescuers.

11:25AM | Guest Speaker

Lionel Hotene, Kai Mahi Māra Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae, Māngere.

A deep dive into the story of how Papatuanuku Marae grow, prepare and distribute nutritious kai for the wellbeing of its community in Māngere, South Auckland.

12:15PM | Lunch for everyone

Made with aroha from rescued food and local ingredients by Chefs Claudio Fuentes (Arcadia) and Francisco Sabando (Waiheke Chef)

Marketplace of ideas at lunchtime:

Writing on the wall: What do you want to see in a thriving food system for Waiheke? What awesome initiatives already exist? Tell us!
Take a tour of the Piritahi Marae māra kai
Ask a gardener about what grows well and when
Wander through stalls of local food initiatives on Waiheke

1:45PM | Workshop time!

Building on the morning's discussion and inspiration, this workshop will further unpack the issues our island is facing and come up with solutions we need to solve the challenges in our food system. The outcome of this workshop, and the overall day, will inform funded food projects for Waiheke (2021-22). Stick around and have your say on what and how those projects can be.

3:15PM | Closing reflections on the workshop and the day - Bianca Ranson and Emily King