By Hera Denton
Lived Experience: Maniapoto
The lived experience mahi with ThinkPlace is now in its final stages. Draft reports are taking shape, providing a clear picture of what is being created, how the stories will be presented, and the themes they will include. Behind the scenes, content writing is underway with the first draft due for review by mid-October. A full draft will follow soon after, allowing time for feedback before the reports are finalised.
A plan is being developed to return this mahi back to the hapori of Maniapoto, whose stories form the heart of the project. This will ensure the people who shared their experiences are the first to see how their voices are reflected and honoured.
Our partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto Marae PACT Trust continues to deepen through their Wai to Kai Project. Current efforts are focused on supporting hapori-led river monitoring and building local food growing systems that restore both kai and wai connections. These initiatives strengthen resilience, empower communities, and highlight the importance of hapori-led solutions for long-term wellbeing.
South Waikato Kai Opportunities
The Kai Challenge Lead has also been working alongside farmer-led catchment groups in the South Waikato as part of Wai Connections and Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust kaupapa. This approach links healthy waterways with sustainable food systems, recognising that kai security and environmental health are inseparable. By bringing together communities, farmers, and local leaders, the project supports practices that protect water quality to ensure access to nutritious kai.
Waikato Kai Hui
Planning is well underway for the Waikato Kai Hui, to be held on 12 November. This event will bring together those operating in the kai space to share experiences, strengthen collaboration, and set a pathway for kai sovereignty and resilience across the rohe. The hui will also provide an opportunity to showcase the lived experience of kai and highlight community-led solutions already in action.
Regional Kai Hubs
Finally, collaboration with marae, hapū, iwi and community continue for the development of regional hubs in both Maniapoto and South Waikato. These hubs are intended to act as central points for local kai initiatives, connecting whānau, hāpori, iwi, local government and other relevant organisations to build and support sustainable practices.
