Building Our Collective Capacity: Reflections from the Food Systems Change Masterclass

Kai West recently hosted a Food Systems Change Masterclass for members, designed to help participants feel more connected, confident and better equipped to navigate the complexities of the food system.

The workshop was led by Emily King from Spira, an independent consultancy working in food systems change. 

As one of Kai West’s Pou focuses on capacity building, the masterclass was an opportunity to strengthen the skills, knowledge and collective capability of those working across the kai network. Participants gained a valuable view of the bigger picture, exploring everything from the environments where food is grown through to how communities access kai.

“The workshop gave me a better understanding of the three aspects of change - behavioural, systemic and personal. Taking time to sort problems into what I can and can’t control stopped me feeling overwhelmed. It also inspired me to find stories of people who’ve made a difference in the food system,” says Lynnette Van Nes from Community Waitākere.

That broader perspective has already helped many view their mahi in a new light. While the day-to-day work remains essential, the workshop highlighted how these actions connect within the wider food system.

“Emily’s masterclass helped me connect the dots between food, climate and power. It reminded me that systemic change is possible when we think big and act collaboratively,” says Maia Gallagher from Fair Food.

Participants found new language and frameworks to describe the change they are striving for in their communities. For many, the workshop brought fresh insights into climate change, food security and the politics of food, introducing systems thinking as a way to tackle complex challenges and identify where they have the most power to create change.

“It was a reminder for me that while food systems are incredibly complex, communities hold real power in the choices and decisions they make,” says Carla Gee from EcoMatters Environment Trust.

Beyond the learning itself, the masterclass created space for new connections and reaffirmed the importance of coming together as a collective to reflect, learn and re-imagine a resilient, equitable food system. By investing in opportunities like this, Kai West is increasing our shared capacity not only to grow and share kai, but also to advocate for the systems change needed to ensure food sovereignty and resilience for future generations.