Introduction to priority action areas

The report identifies eight priority action areas connected to existing activity across Aotearoa New Zealand’s food system. These areas represent opportunities for collaboration, scaling, and addressing current system gaps. They are grounded in the Mana Kai Purpose and Values framework, which provides the vision, principles, and consultation base for ongoing development. The plan is intended to become obsolete as the proposed actions are implemented, and future activities are expected to align with the foundational work. Approximately 80 proposed actions were refined to eight by the Mana Kai Leadership Group.

The initial Mana Kai framing

The framework encompasses a collective food system philosophy that integrates Te Ao Māori values. It highlights interconnected concepts such as mātauranga (knowledge), manaakitanga (hospitality), hauora (wellbeing), tikanga (cultural practice), ohaoha (economic value), rangatiratanga (stewardship), ngā nuinga (collective responsibility), atua (spiritual connection), and tuakana/teina (humans’ relationship with nature). These values underpin all subsequent actions and guide long-term aspirations, such as halving childhood obesity and food insecurity by 2030, halving national food waste by 2030, and reversing waterway degradation by 2040 (p.5).

Eight priority actions

The eight actions span immediate, medium-term, and long-term focus areas across Taiao (environment), Tangata (people), and Mana Kai (holistic system). They include establishing a Mana Kai Pou, a community food platform, improved school food provision, mission-led food system science, healthy eating guidelines, ocean-based food strategies, regenerating farming pathways, and a national biotechnology conversation.

The Mana Kai Pou

This action proposes a values-based code for organisations to commit to food equity, good nutrition, sustainability, and shared prosperity. Organisations will publicly pledge to implement the principles and report progress regularly. Oversight will ensure that the Pou remains relevant and reflects food system needs, without formal accreditation requirements.

Community food platform

The report proposes establishing a low-cost, not-for-profit food procurement and distribution system to address food insecurity. The New Zealand Food Network would act as the procurement agent contracting with producers, processors, and importers to supply affordable kai. Government coordination and investment would support infrastructure, with the aim to provide year-round access to nutritious food while upholding whānau and community mana. The platform could procure nominated percentages of produce and recover surplus harvest for processing.

Elevate food in schools

Building on the Ka Ora, Ka Ako programme, this action recommends enhanced delivery of healthy meals, nutrition education, and food skills across schools and Kura. Producers would supply nutritious kai aligned with guideline requirements. Opportunities include scaling local production, improving packaging sustainability, reducing waste, and integrating broader community networks.

Mission-led food system-science

This action calls for multidisciplinary research aligned with Te Ara Paerangi – Future Pathways. The first priority is defining what a sustainable, healthy, and equitable food system looks like for Aotearoa New Zealand. Evidence will guide system change, inform policy, and support actions such as true-cost accounting, food environment recommendations, and public communications on low-cost sustainable eating.

Healthy sustainable eating guidelines

The report proposes updating dietary guidelines to include cultural considerations and sustainability insights. Implementation would involve community-focused communication, budgeting and food preparation workshops, and support for diverse cultural contexts. Evidence from national nutrition surveys and Māori health agencies would inform the updated guidelines.

Ocean legacies

A Kaimoana Strategy is proposed to integrate ocean-based food opportunities while protecting marine ecosystems. Key issues include tangata whenua rights, climate impacts, biotechnological opportunities, seaweed potential, and implications for fishing communities. A phased approach will address research, regulatory settings, and commercial opportunities.

Regenerating farming pathways

This action outlines a principles-based pathway for regenerative agriculture, informed by mātauranga Māori and western science. It aligns with Fit for a Better World and related workstreams. Funding pathways, industry engagement, and processor support will help producers adopt regenerating practices and strengthen New Zealand’s reputation.

BioTech conversation

The report recommends a national, evidence-based discussion on biotechnology, including gene editing, informed by scientific, economic, cultural, and mātauranga Māori perspectives. A comprehensive assessment of risks, benefits, and market impacts will guide future directions and potential implementation roadmaps.