Year of the Whitebait?

Well, it feels like 2025 has already started in a monumental way. The Year of the Snake sounds ominous, I think we prefer The Year of the Whitebait here at Eat New Zealand!

As global shifts, beyond our control, swirl around us, we’ll be focussing on food security and local food systems for New Zealanders. When we get this right it’s a story and a table that our visitors want to join. We believe this is regenerative tourism in its finest sense.

We’re starting an exciting new project operationalising the Mana-Centred Local Food System for the Buller District - well-known for whitebait. It’s a part of New Zealand that is holding a unique moment in history. Its town Kawatiri / Westport is central in the first managed retreat in the face of climate change. What an extraordinary moment to consider who they are, and to lead the way.

We knew our food system framework was gaining traction after interest from Australia at the end of last year, so it feels really meaningful to pilot it, iron out the wrinkles and contribute to a community focussed on flourishing, whatever comes next. Obviously we hope we can replicate and/or scale, reflecting the unique characteristics of other communities.

If this feels like something you want to see happen, please consider becoming an Eat New Zealand supporter. Times are incredibly tough for all not for profits, but so often they hold the seed that needs to be planted for the future.

So whitebait, our wild spaces and our tenacious communities is where you’ll find us in 2025.

He moana pukepuke e ekengia e te waka.

A choppy sea can be navigated by a waka.

Angela Clifford,

CE Eat New Zealand. @eat.newzealand

If you believe in our mahi we'd be so grateful for your support.

Kotahitanga for Waitangi

Māori chef and legend Joe McLeod is leading a group of people preparing enough kai to feed at least 10,000 people, in the same way it was served when the whare tūpuna first opened. This includes the food being placed in ruru baskets. Eat NZ Kaitaki Shaquille Shortland was amongst the volunteers. Find out more about the feast here.

Tell me more about the Hāngī that fed 10,000 people in Waitangi

Win tickets to Undergound Festival

We've got a two-day festival pass to giveaway for UNDERGROUND Festival - Aotearoa's first festival of soil, celebrating the connection between soil, food, and farming. Held on the 19th-20th February 2025 in North Canterbury at Greystone – a regenerative organic vineyard in the Waipara Valley - this unique event features renowned international and local soil experts, engaging talks, hands-on workshops, immersive field experiences, incredible local kai, and live music.

To enter head over to our Instagram @eat.newzealand for more details. Winner will be drawn Tuesday 11th Feb.

Win tickets to Underground Festival!