International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste

Rautapatu’s Big Kai Redesign: Honouring the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste

Today, 29 September 2025, marks the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW), a global moment to reflect on how we produce, consume, and value food. At Rautāpatu, this kaupapa resonates deeply with our mission to transform food systems through indigenous wisdom, community-led innovation, and sustainable design.

As the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) lead international conversations on reducing food loss and waste, we’re proud to contribute to this movement through our Big Kai Redesign.

Why This Day Matters

Globally, one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted. That’s not just a waste of kai, it’s a waste of whenua (land), wai (water), energy, and mahi (labour). It’s a missed opportunity to nourish our communities and protect our planet. Food waste contributes to climate change, undermines food security, and strains our ecosystems.

IDAFLW is a call to action for producers, businesses, consumers, and policymakers to rethink how food flows through our lives—and that’s exactly what we’re doing here at Rautāpatu.

Introducing the Big Kai Redesign

The Big Kai Redesign is our bold response to the challenge of food waste. It’s a systems-level rethink of how kai is grown, shared, prepared, and valued across Aotearoa. Rooted in mātauranga Māori and guided by principles of circularity, equity, and resilience, this initiative aims to:

- 🌱 Reduce food waste at every stage of the supply chain

- 🧑‍🍳 Empower whānau and communities with tools for sustainable kai practices

- 🛠️ Support local producers and innovators to design waste-free food systems

- 🗣️ Advocate for policy change that honours indigenous food sovereignty

What’s Happening Today

Global leaders will gather to share strategies and stories that inspire action. At Rautāpatu, we’re tuning in, contributing insights, and amplifying the voices of our communities who are already leading the way.

We believe that food is more than fuel, it’s whakapapa, connection, and culture. The Big Kai Redesign is about restoring that relationship and ensuring that every bite of kai is respected, shared, and never wasted.

How You Can Join Us

Whether you’re a grower, eater, educator, or entrepreneur, you have a role to play. Here’s how you can get involved:

- 🍽️ Audit your food waste and find creative ways to reduce it

- 🧃 Support local producers and regenerative food systems

- 📚 Learn about mātauranga Māori approaches to kai and sustainability

- 🗣️ Share your ideas and stories with us—your voice matters

A Future with No Waste

As we observe IDAFLW, we reaffirm our commitment to redesigning food systems that honour people and planet. The Big Kai Redesign is not just a project, it’s a movement. And it starts with us.

Let’s make every meal a moment of care, connection, and transformation.