Have Your Say: The Big Kai Redesign Survey Is Live

Admin
Apr 9
2 min read

Taranaki’s kai landscape is rich, diverse, and full of potential — upheld by whānau, hapū, marae, growers, producers, innovators, and community champions who care deeply about the wellbeing of our people and our environment. Now, through The Big Kai Redesign, we have a unique opportunity to weave all of this incredible mahi together into a collective, mana-centred regional strategy.

Today, we’re excited to announce a major milestone in this journey: Our region-wide community survey is now open and available to complete online.

This survey is one of the most important tools in our engagement process. It’s your chance to share your experiences, aspirations, challenges, and ideas about kai in Taranaki — and to help shape a future where our food systems are sustainable, equitable, culturally grounded, and regenerative.

Why Your Voice Matters

The Big Kai Redesign is about more than food. It’s about restoring the mana and mauri of our kai systems by strengthening the relationships between people, whenua, wai, and future generations. Our research so far shows that many whānau face barriers to accessing affordable, nourishing kai, while our environment continues to feel the impacts of industrial food systems.

By completing the survey, you contribute directly to:

Understanding what’s working well — and what isn’t — in our current kai system
Identifying opportunities for circular, regenerative, and community-led solutions
Helping shape a Mana-Centred Kai Systems Strategy for Taranaki
Ensuring that the voices of whānau, hapū, marae, businesses, and community groups are heard and valued

Every response helps us build a clearer picture of the region’s needs, strengths, and aspirations.

A Kaupapa Led by Community, Grounded in Mātauranga Māori

The Big Kai Redesign is a kaupapa led by The Rautāpatu Foundation, supported by research partners and community organisations who share a commitment to transforming our local kai systems. This work honours mātauranga Māori, circular economy principles, and the deep cultural significance of kai as a taonga that nurtures identity, wellbeing, and connection.

Your participation ensures that this transformation is shaped by the people it’s designed for — our communities.

How to Get Involved

The survey is now available online and open to everyone in Taranaki. Whether you grow kai, buy kai, cook kai, share kai, or simply care about the future of our region, your insights are invaluable.

👉 Complete the survey online now

You can also stay involved by joining our wānanga, participating in interviews, encouraging your marae to take part in assessments, or signing up for updates through our newsletter.