Exploring Food Stories Past, Present and Future: Kai Resilient Neighbourhoods

Kai Conversations in New Lynn

Across West Auckland, Kai West is working with communities to uncover the kai stories of the past and the present, driven by a vision for the future. The Kai Resilient Neighbourhoods initiative is one of Kai West’s networks of action, aiming to reconnect communities with their food systems in deeply local and culturally grounded ways. 

Recently, a series of Kai Conversations took place across seven locations in West Auckland. From Te Atatū Peninsula to Piha & Karekare, these events provided the opportunity for communities to explore their food stories, particularly what is grown in an area, what’s shared and what’s been lost. The conversations have sparked new ideas and relationships, building momentum for community action to build local food systems. From kai hubs and pop-up markets to composting, upcycling and food-sharing networks, each neighbourhood will bring its own flavour and aspirations to the solutions they feel will work for them.

Community leaders from the Kai Conversations in New Lynn

Building on this momentum, Kai West will host a network meeting to bring together local kai champions and neighbourhood leaders to connect, share ideas, and explore innovations through a tuākana–teina model of mutual support. This network meeting is planned for February 2026. Keep up to date and join the conversation via our Kai West Community Page on Facebook.