11/08/2026
HOROWHENUA MANA KAI IS TURNING ONE!
One year. One big project. A whole lot of mahi. The end of the “pilot” stage and WOW, what a year it’s been!
We’ve connected with our community, supported some awesome local projects, delivered practical workshops, met some incredible food producers and started uncovering just how much amazing mahi is already happening across our rohe.
Along the way, we’ve been asking some BIG questions:
• What could food system change look like here?
• What does nutritional sovereignty mean for our communities?
• And what does a truly locally-led approach look like?
There’s been plenty of learning, kōrero, connecting, collaborating and PHEW… a LOT of mahi! 😅
Now we’re at the exciting bit… WHERE TO FROM HERE? That’s what we’ll be exploring together at our next Horowhenua Mana Kai Network hui at the end of August. We’ll look back, celebrate what we’ve achieved, share what we’ve learned and start shaping what comes next.
A special mihi to Matt for his mahi and contribution as our Mana Kai Coordinator throughout the pilot programme. We’re grateful for the time, energy and commitment he brought to helping establish and grow Mana Kai over the past year. We wish Matt a fond farewell and all the very best for his future.
A big mihi to our funders, Department of Internal Affairs and Eastern & Central Community Trust, whose support made this one-year pilot possible. Your investment gave us the opportunity to connect, explore, learn and start building something truly locally led.
And of course, a huge mihi to everyone who has been part of the journey our Iwi, local producers, community groups, Council, whānau, organisations, volunteers and Mana Kai Network members. This mahi belongs to all of us.
One year down. So much more to grow.
While we work on what comes next, if you have any questions or require assistance, please contact the Horowhenua District Council Community Development Team at [email protected].
