Work across the Wai and Kai portfolio continues to build, with a strong focus on community-led solutions that respond to the realities whānau are facing now, while also strengthening the foundations for long-term food security across the Waikato.

Across all of this mahi, there is a deliberate balance between immediate action and long-term change — making sure whānau have access to kai now, while also building more resilient, locally grounded food systems for the future.

With funding support from the MAS Foundation, we’ve completed a piece of mahi alongside Ngāti Maniapoto Marae PACT Trust, focused on the lived experience of kai for their rohe. The insights from this work are now guiding what comes next, with wānanga being planned to turn what we’ve heard into practical, locally led actions that respond directly to whānau and hapori needs.

Progress is also being made on the development of regional hubs in both Te Kūiti and Tokoroa, to allow our mahi to reach beyond Kirikiriroa. In Te Kūiti, a location has now been secured and planning is underway with partners including Waitomo District Council and Te Kura Taiao o Te Nehenehenui. In Tokoroa, discussions are ongoing with South Waikato District Council and Raukawa Charitable Trust as we work towards securing a suitable site.

Planning is well underway for the Matariki ki Waikato 2026 programme, which will include a series of wānanga focused on the four kai stars, reconnecting whānau to mātauranga, maramataka, and seasonal food practices.

The He Mana ki te Kai programme continues in partnership with Para Kore, with planned delivery of wānanga and the development of new facilitators to grow this kaupapa across the region.

Alongside the mahi on the ground, we’re also staying close to the bigger system shifts needed to make this support this mahi. That means ongoing kōrero with councils, iwi, and partners to challenge barriers, align efforts, and create the conditions needed for community-led solutions to grow and be sustained.  

The Waikato Kai Summit on 20 May will bring this mahi into one space — connecting people, sharing what’s being learned, and shaping what comes next together.  

For more information contact Hera at: hera@envirocentre.org.nz