As part of our food re-localisation project we have initiated meetings with interested parties across Northland. This is about discussing options and developing membership of a “Food Policy Council” from a wide cross section of education, health, growers, processors and so on in Northland.
The first took place in Waipapa and involved people from Four Seasons Farms (eco-biological production of food or Community Seed Banking), Edible Kerikeri (utilising public spaces for food production), Far North Resilient Communities Trust (Timebanking, facilitation of all types of community development in the Far North), and Far North Civil Defence and ourselves (many of the participants also wear multiple “hats” in other organisations – the beauty of Northland!).
The second meeting was hosted by Te Rarawa in Kaitaia and also included representatives from Healthy Families Far North, Four Seasons Farms and FNDC. We were warmly welcomed by Executive Officer Kevin Robinson. Obviously the emphasis on a sustainable local food movement hits a chord with all concerned with the future of our communities and our tamariki.
One of the key ideas to come out of our hui was the importance of creating new stories that show that there are alternatives to our current economic models and that communities can rise up and make a difference. Out of this thought came the idea of working collaboratively with one Northland community to create prototype for other communities to learn from. Watch this space!
Thanks to FNDC/Manaia Health Kai Ora fund for help with our costs for attending these meetings 🙂
Aotearoa Food Policy Network 
Excellent idea, Peter. I think many now have a sense of helplessness in the face of the large supermarkets that control our food. They are calling the tune and we as customers seem to have few options. Local markets are a great addition but we still seem to rely heavily on the supermarkets.
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If we work alongside the supermarkets that are locally owned we begin a journey towards our goals. New World promote local fresh produce and display with labelling to that effect with money staying in Northland. Small steps eventually make a difference.
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