The development of The Regional Food System Strategy is an opportunity to foster a sustainable, locally-based, and equitable food system.

The strategy project aims to:

• Create an actionable plan that prioritises food security, food sovereignty, economic opportunities and community wellbeing through sustainable and local methods that benefit all aspects of health
• Strengthen community, iwi and council partnerships across the region
• Embed mātauranga Māori and Te Ao Māori concepts of food sustainability. Support opportunities for the Māori food economy as determined by Māori
• Inform future policy on aspects such as urban development, economic planning and climate change

A number of regional complementary initiatives and approaches including increased supply and demand for local, seasonal, affordable and low carbon food and reducing/preventing food wastage.

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourouka ora ai te iwi. “With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.”