Food & Kai

The Murihiku Kai Collective is a network for organisations and individuals working to support food system prosperity. They are involved in initiatives that build additional resources and capacity within the local food system, With a vision of everyone in Murihiku having access to good food, the Collective pursues equity and resilience, elevating community voice and lived experiences, showcasing Southland champions and innovators, and suggesting practical steps that councils, businesses, organisations and individuals can take to contribute towards food prosperity for Southland.

Check out their Facebook here.

Inspired by the great work of the Murihiku Kai Collective following the release of the Good Food Road Map last year, Steve Broad has moved into a pilot role as the region’s first Murihiku Kai Coordinator, based in the Healthy Families Invercargill team.

As part of the new role, Steve will be helping support the work of the local kai community, supporting their strategy and vision of a secure and resilient local food system. The vision aims to empower the availability, accessibility and affordability of good food in Murihiku. 

A big part of his initial work will be ensuring that there are systems in place for effective communication, connection and collaboration across community groups, whānau, growers, producers, entrepreneurs, key decisions makers, funders, educators, health and social service agencies. 

A great example of this is already underway though a ‘Maara Starts’, home education program. The Murihiku Kai Collective, South Coast Environment Society and Healthy Families, with the help of Rio Tinto, NZAS and Murihiku Rūnaka funding, are teaming up with social agencies, taking experienced tutors across Southland to help support whānau who have a desire to grow their own kai at home. 

Broad admits, there’s lots to do, and it will take time, but hopes to eventually see kai celebrated as a key part of who we are as a region, within the community, but also nationally and internationally. To be a core part of how we support each other, and how we tell our story.

Follow some of Broad’s work at @murihikukaiguy on instagram.