Waikato Wellbeing Project’s Post

The theme for 2024 is Matariki heri kai and comes from the Māori proverb ‘Matariki whetū heri kai’ meaning ‘Matariki, the bringer of food’. GIven the big focus were putting on kai, kai security and soverightly at the Waikato Wellbeing Project, that feels really relevent this Matariki. The Matariki website https://lnkd.in/gBXAwK2M is a great treasure house of information about Matariki, events news and resources- check it out- and a excerpt below: Food is central to the celebration of Matariki, and Māori believe that the appearance of Matariki in the morning sky in winter would determine the success or failure of kai harvesting. Different stars in the cluster have an association to the various domains from where we source our food, in particular: gardens (Tupuānuku) forests (Tupuārangi) fresh water (Waitī) and the ocean (Waitā) This connection reaffirms relationships with our environment and signifies the importance of food in the celebration of Matariki. Building on last year’s theme “Matariki kāinga hokia” people are encouraged to view Matariki as a time to journey home, spend time with whānau and friends, and enjoy feasting on fresh, locally sourced produce ...but maybe also to reflect for a moment on those who aren't always able to enjoy the abundance of food, either for every day needs or special occasions. In an interesting alignment, the Office of the Prime Minister's Chief Science advisor also just released a final report on food waste in New Zealand- you can see the resource they have developed here: https://lnkd.in/gPueMBq8 Developed with the aim of reducing food waste in New Zealand by 50%, one of the summary reports notes "an estimated 40% of this food is lost or wasted before it is consumed by people. This figure – contrasted with widespread hunger and food insecurity, as well as the significant environmental and economic resources producing food requires – presents a pressing and important challenge to reduce the amount of food we waste. The UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 aims to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030. Solving our food loss and waste challenge could help feed hungry people, go a significant way towards meeting our requirements to reduce methane emissions, and save businesses along the food supply chain money." Jo Wrigley Anna Casey-Cox, PhD Cilla Abbott Jeremy Mayall Karen Covell Amy Marfell Mary Jensen Rachel Karalus Joe Graham Riikka Anderson Keri Thompson Lale Ieremia Nic Greene Jennifer Nickel Joy Moir Emma-Louise Emery-Sinclair Cheryl Reynolds Valerie Bianchi Rick Thorpe Bruce Clarkson ONZM Mike Rolton Delwyn Abraham Justin Connolly Dujon Cullingford Dr Rebekah Graham Don Scarlet MNZM MInstD Chris Williams Amber Hammill Joe Wilson Amy van Garderen Norman Hill David Cowley Thomas Gibbons Rob Wadmore Rosie Spragg

Mō Matariki | About

Mō Matariki | About

matariki.com

Delwyn Abraham

Leader, Collaborator, Change Agent

4mo

Maanawatia aa Matariki e te whaanau

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