The Regional Kai Network
The Regional Kai Network is a growing network of community organisations, marae, growers, producers, agencies and individuals working together to strengthen food resilience across Wellington, Wairarapa and Horowhenua. Our network brings together people who care about healthy communities, thriving local food systems and the wellbeing of future generations.
Vision: Wellington is a region where everyone always has access to good kai through a resilient, local and fair food system.
Mission: Through the Regional Kai Network, we aim to bring people together to:
Prioritizing the health of people and the environment in all aspects of food production, distribution and consumption
Providing opportunities for connections and collaborations around education, employment, and a vibrant local food economy
Identifying and addressing barriers to accessing local food, regardless of age, social status or cultural background
Honouring and revitalizing traditional practices of mahinga kai and reconnecting with whenua to support whānau and indigeneous food culture
We hope that this website serves as a hub for conversations and collaborations with partners, decisionmakers, producers, and community leaders who are working towards our shared vision. Members of the Regional Kai Network can help inform the development of a Regional Food System Plan.
If you're interested in joining the Regional Kai Network or learning more about our initiatives, please contact us at info@regionalkainetwork.org.nz
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The Regional Kai Network grew from a series of regional hui held between 2020 and 2021. These conversations brought together communities, growers, marae, organisations and agencies to explore how we could create a more food-resilient region following lessons from the COVID-19 response.
What began as a conversation has grown into a regional network connecting people who are passionate about creating positive change through kai.
Milestones
2020
Community food resilience hui were held across Wellington, Hutt Valley, Porirua and Wairarapa, bringing together people passionate about strengthening local food systems. These conversations highlighted a shared desire for stronger local food systems and greater regional collaboration.
2021
The Regional Kai Network began to take shape, connecting people across Wellington, Porirua, Hutt Valley, Kāpiti, Wairarapa and Horowhenua who were passionate about strengthening food resilience, food security and kai sovereignty.
2022
Building on this momentum, the Wellington Regional Leadership Committee supported the development of a Regional Food System Plan to better understand the opportunities and challenges within our regional food system.
2022–2024
Communities, mana whenua, growers, organisations and stakeholders contributed to regional engagement, research and planning that helped shape a shared vision and identify aspirations for the future of the food system.
2025
Phase One of the Regional Food System Plan was completed, establishing a shared foundation and identifying key priorities to guide future action.
Today
The Regional Kai Network continues to support collaboration, knowledge sharing and collective action towards a more resilient, equitable and locally-led food system across the region.
Get Involved
If you're passionate about food, community wellbeing, local resilience or the future of our regional food system, we'd love to hear from you.
The Regional Kai Network welcomes individuals, community groups, marae, growers, businesses, researchers and organisations who want to contribute to this kaupapa.
Publications & Resources
Wellington Regional Food System Plan: Iwi/ Mana Whenua Aspirations
Te Tirohanga Whakamaua - The values and vision framework gifted by mana whenua to guide future regional planning. Built around concepts such as rangatiratanga, mātauranga Māori, kotahitanga and kaitiakitanga, it provides the foundation upon which the Regional Food System Plan was developed.