He utu mō te kai: Exploring the economic benefits of kai sovereignty

Intern: Anahera Whaanga-Smith, University of Otago

Supervisor: Dr Ken Taiapa, University of Otago

The movement for Māori kai sovereignty is a growing priority across Māori collectives in Aotearoa. Alongside this, kai sovereignty initiatives have increased over time, and support holistic outcomes by and for tangata whenua. 

This rapid review examined and contributed to the limited understanding of the economic benefits produced by kai sovereignty initiatives in Aotearoa through a te ao Māori lens and kaupapa Māori foundation. Kaupapa Māori and rapid review methodology were employed, and the core themes identified through analysis of relevant literature were: 1) Cyclic Māori Economies; 2) Planning seven generations; 3) Cultural identity and connection to te ao Māori. The core findings and recommendations from this rapid review aim to support understanding of kai sovereignty initiatives, support the development of kai sovereignty overall and the health and wellbeing of tangata whenua throughout Aotearoa across generations.