About Kōanga Kai

Kōanga Kai is an initiative that encourages whānau rangatiratanga by building healthy and sustainable kai production practices, influenced by the traditions and mātauranga of our tīpuna.

We support entities throughout Te Waipounamu to deliver Kōanga Kai programmes within their communities. By providing physical resources and coaching, whānau are empowered to participate in communal gardens or create māra kai in their homes or communities, and engage in planting, hunting, gathering, foraging, producing, preserving and preparing kai.

Kōanga Kai is about self-determination and sustainability – kai production that puts whānau in charge of creating healthy lifestyles, and that is environmentally and economically sustainable.

“Kōanga Kai represents the energy of spring, new shoots of life and the excitement of possibility. It also links us to the legacy of Rākaihautū, who travelled throughout Te Waipounamu and carved out its lakes and rivers using his kō, or digging stick.”

Kōanga Kai stories

Kōanga Kai – Hei Whakapiki Mauri

Ruth Jones, Kaiwhakahaere of Hei Whakapiki Mauri, calls Te Pūtahitanga’s Kōanga Kai initiative “inspired” and says supporting whānau to develop their own māra kai has many benefits beyond food security and the provision of fresh, healthy kai.
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Kōanga Kai – Aweko Kai

Jade Moana believes food insecurity is Aotearoa’s “gaping wound” and with people are queuing up for food parcels at an alarming rate, she is determined to do all she can to improve things for vulnerable whānau. 
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Kōanga Kai – Koha Kai

Janice Lee started Koha Kai in 2015 as a way to provide to support and develop the skills of a small group of people, many of whom were living with disabilities. The initiative has flourished and in the past seven years, there have been big changes.
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