I want to start by acknowledging what a difficult time this is for everyone in the upper part of Aotearoa, cleaning up from the recents floods and facing the uncertainty of Cyclone Gabrielle. There is no doubt that mitigation of increasingly chaotic weather systems will need to feature strongly in our food future. To that end I recently wrote an opinion piece in Stuff calling for more strategic thinking for our food security, and a proposed solution which encourages diversity as well as support for communities and individuals - from farmers to eaters. I would love your feedback on the idea and encourage conversation whether you support it or not.
It’s been wonderful to watch people in Auckland support each other, it reminds me of the efforts after both the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes, and is proof of the power of community when things get tough. Another ray of sunshine coming out of Tāmaki this week has been Cuisine Magazine's announcement of their most influential and inspiring women in food and drink. I feel humbled to be part of this cohort and so proud that it also includes executive member Sarah Meikle and two of our Eat NZ Kaitaki, Hannah Miller & Kārena Bird. I can think of at least another 50 women who could be on that list, which fills me with hope about the richness and depth of this group for the future. Congratulations to Kelli Brett who has continually held a torch not only for women but our Aotearoa food story in general.
Angela Clifford,
CE Eat New Zealand.
@eat.newzealand
#KnowYourFarmer #KnowYourFisher #EatNZGrains #GrowFoodCommunities #EatNZKaitaki #RepurposeTheSurplus #LotOfLittle #Biodiversity #WIFDNZ [Image of a field in Pukekohe via Stuff]
Take me to the full Opinion piece on Stuff.co.nz
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