Introduction

Food is central to life in Aotearoa New Zealand and underpins the cultural identity of tangata whenua and diverse communities. It contributes significantly to health outcomes and the domestic economy. The report notes that natural resources such as land, water, soil, oceans, flora and fauna provide food and support food-related employment. However, the food system faces pressures from growing demand, environmental degradation, and inequitable health outcomes.

The Mana Kai framework is introduced as a national approach to guide kōrero on enhancing outcomes delivered by the food system. It supports collaboration between Māori and non-Māori stakeholders, integrating mātauranga Māori alongside scientific and global expertise. The framework emphasises improved wellbeing, sustainable practices and long-term resilience for communities, the environment and the economy.

The document also aligns its intent with government priorities, including improving child wellbeing, reducing food insecurity, strengthening environmental management, and supporting a more productive, sustainable and resilient food system. Statements from the Prime Minister highlight the importance of wellbeing-focused policy and the need for equitable access to healthy and affordable food.

Context and timing

The report situates its development during the heightened focus on health, environmental equity and economic resilience following the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in New Zealand’s food supply chains and intensified concern about nutrition, affordability and access. It also accelerated calls for developing a National Food System Roadmap.

New Zealand exports roughly half of its food production, yet some households experience food insecurity. Health issues persist: for example, obesity rates have increased over time, including among children. Environmental pressures such as soil degradation, emissions and declining water quality have also intensified. These challenges underscore the need for a cohesive and future-focused food system strategy.

Context and timing – Urgent food system challenges

The report identifies four interconnected challenge areas: human health, economic health, environmental health and community health.

Human health concerns include insufficient consumption of fruit and vegetables, rising obesity rates, and dietary patterns contributing to non-communicable diseases. Food affordability and accessibility remain uneven across regions and communities.

Economic health issues arise from reliance on export-driven production, fluctuating global markets and variable profitability for producers. There is also a need to ensure long-term productivity while protecting natural assets.

Environmental health pressures include loss of biodiversity, soil degradation, water contamination and greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. These issues affect the resilience and long-term viability of food production systems.

Community health challenges relate to inequities in access to nutritious food, socio-economic barriers and the need for stronger local food networks. Māori communities are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity, highlighting structural issues and the need for culturally grounded solutions.

The Mana Kai framework

The framework proposes an approach grounded in Te Ao Māori and mātauranga Māori principles to reshape food system discussions and decision-making. It highlights the role of mana—the energy, presence and essence that maintains relationships within the natural world—and its relevance to food production, distribution and access.

Key concepts include atua (spiritual foundations), tuakana/teina (senior–junior relational dynamics), ngā nuinga (abundance and resource-sharing), and tārūke (a symbol of interwoven systems and sustainable harvesting). These concepts reinforce reciprocal responsibilities between people and the environment.

The framework outlines three interconnected themes:

• Mana o te whenua – the natural energy of the environment, emphasising stewardship, soil and water health, and sustainable land use.
• Mana kai – sustenance from food, focusing on equitable access, nutrition, affordability and cultural considerations.
• Mana o te tangata – harvesting and distribution of food, supporting fair systems, community wellbeing and economic resilience.

The report highlights the need for coordinated engagement across business, government and communities. Suggested actions include supporting shared governance, identifying food system risks and opportunities, strengthening evidence bases, and enabling co-created solutions.

Finally, the development pathway stresses continued collaboration among stakeholders and the identification of priorities for a future National Food System Roadmap.