Kai Sovereignty Theory of Change – Healthy Families NZ
Across Aotearoa, communities are reimagining their relationship with kai — drawing on deep knowledge, lived experience, and collective strength to shape food systems that reflect who they are and what they value. Supporting this growing movement, the Healthy Families NZ workforce co-developed a national theory of change for Kai sovereignty: a shared framework to guide […]
Guiding Locally Led Kai Futures
Across Aotearoa, communities are reimagining their relationship with kai — drawing on deep knowledge, lived experience, and collective strength to shape food systems that reflect who they are and what they value. Supporting this growing movement, the Healthy Families NZ workforce co-developed a national theory of change for Kai sovereignty: a shared framework to guide […]
Tāfesilafa’i: A Celebration of Culture, Community & Legacy
For five years, the Tāfesilafa’i community of care has served as a supportive space for faiaoga (teachers) in aoga amata (Sāmoan language nests) to learn, share experiences, and connect with other aoga amata in way a that embodies fa’a Sāmoa (the Sāmoan way). On Saturday 03 May, the support network around Tāfesilafa’i gathered to celebrate this journey, reflecting on growth, resilience, and […]
Mana Motuhake o te Kai: A living philosophy at Lincoln Heights School
At Lincoln Heights School, lunchtimes buzz with play, but it’s not uncommon to find tamariki knee-deep in the school māra kai (food garden), hands in the soil, learning how to grow and harvest kai. Guided by teacher, Jen Harris and kaimahi Augustine Kopa, this thriving initiative is part of Kāhui Māra Kai, a movement rooted […]
The slow creep of alcohol
This op ed was written by Healthy Families Waitākere Government Systems and Policy Lead, Vinetta Plummer Te Rarawa, Ngātiwai and originally featured on e-tangata At first glance, the Hairdressing (Reducing Restrictions) Bill contains what seem like harmless, even appealing, ideas. Being offered a complimentary glass of wine or a beer while I get my hair […]
Yes, data can produce better policy – but it’s no substitute for real-world experience
This article originally appeared on The Conversation Governments like to boast that “data-driven” policies are the best way to make fair, efficient decisions. They collect statistics, set targets and adjust strategies to suit. But while data can be useful, it’s not neutral. There are biases and blind spots in the systems that produce the data. […]
Hologa Niue Cultural Festival 2025: A Systems Return Perspective
The first-ever Hologa Niue Cultural Festival was an outstanding success, uniting thousands of Niueans recently in Tāmaki Makaurau. A vibrant celebration of vagahau Niue (Niuean language), heritage, culture, and tradition, the event marked a new dawn for the Niuean community in Aotearoa. Spearheaded by the Three Star Nation community group, Hologa Niue is part of […]
Enriching hauora opportunities for tamariki in West Auckland bilingual units
The revival of te reo Māori and mātauranga Māori is a deeply important aspiration for many whānau, often spanning generations. Bilingual units in schools have become a significant avenue for this revitalisation, providing tamariki with a nurturing environment to connect with their heritage, reo, and traditional mātauranga. These units not only support the growth of […]
Kai Villages: A showcase of community-led food sovereignty in West Auckland
At its core, Kai Villages is about connection, care, and community leadership. This initiative is more than just about food—it’s about unlocking the potential that already exists within communities, supporting them to share knowledge, strengthen local networks, and shape food systems in ways that are sustainable, culturally grounded, and led by thepeople themselves. The Kai Villages Showcase highlights […]
Welcoming New Talent to Drive Innovation for the Healthy Families Kaupapa
The past few months have been a blur of excitement as we have welcomed five outstanding individuals to the Heathy Families Waitākere kaupapa. Christian Curtis, Vinetta Plummer, Palenatino (Tino) Malo, Micheal Collins and Kristen Te Moananui have joined the team, bringing a diverse range of skills and experience which promises to enrich and further strengthen […]
