Better Communities.
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About Better Communities.
Wao’s Food Resilience Programme began in 2023 to map the local food system and gather community input.
A robust and vibrant local food system is an important driver for a wide range of positive environmental, economic, community wellbeing, emissions mitigation and public health benefits. The Wao Food Resilience Programme has established what the local food system in the southern lakes looks like, in order to better prepare our communities to be more resilient to disruptive shocks and sustained stresses to the global and national food supply system.
Through a series of hui, the need for a collaborative group became clear. The Southern Lakes Kai Collective was established in September 2024 to drive action.
Meet the team.
With over two decades of experience in the food industry and a deep passion for local food resilience, food scientist and Wao Board member Julia Blackford leads as the expert advisor for Wao’s Food Resilience Programme and the Southern Lakes Kai Collective (SLKC).
Babu Blatt has been Programme Manager at Wao since January 2023. She oversees the Food Resilience Programme, organises the yearly Harvest Festival and facilitates the Southern Lakes Kai Collective (SLKC).
Membership of the SLKC is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains inclusive, connected, and representative of the wider food system.
If you’re interested in joining the working group or have inquiries or proposals relating to food resilience, please get in touch with Babu: kiaora@wao.co.nz
Our Vision.
A thriving, resilient food system where the majority of our community’s calorie needs are met locally. We envision a future where local food production supports our health, economy, and environment, strengthening connections between people, place, and kai, and safeguarding food sovereignty for generations to come.
Our Mission.
To drive systemic change by building partnerships, supporting local food initiatives, and promoting innovation across the Queenstown Lakes District. We work collaboratively to strengthen local food production, reduce vulnerability to supply disruptions, and nurture a climate-resilient, community-led food system that sustains both people and planet.
Upcoming events.
Southern Lakes Kai Collective (SLKC).
The Southern Lakes Kai Collective is dedicated to driving the transition to a vibrant, resilient food system that respects food sovereignty, while strengthening the local food ecosystem by connecting and supporting its diverse parts. Bringing together 31 members, from producers, growers, community gardens and food businesses to food security organisations, local council representatives, expert individuals and community groups, the Collective regularly meets to plan and oversee initiatives that build a stronger food system, benefiting people, climate, and biodiversity.
Further Resources.
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Find out more about this project here
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View our 2023 Food Resilience Report
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Coming Soon
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Every year Wao runs our annual harvest festival. Check out last years programme here. Bet in touch if you would like to take part in our 2026 Harvest Event.
Blog.
Speakers.
Key Partners.
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QLDC - Climate Action
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Kiwi Harvest
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Mana Tāhuna Charitable Trust
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Community Link Upper Clutha
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Hawea Food Forest
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Grow Wanaka
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Lake Wānaka Tourism
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Queenstown
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Enviroschools
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Health New Zealand
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Wastebusters
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Wao
Keen to get involved?
Get in touch to find out more or join the collective: kiaora@wao.co.nz
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