Food Resilience

Creating a robust and vibrant local food system.

About Food Resilience.

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.

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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, distributors and 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.

Our Vision

A thriving, resilient food system where 95% 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.

Events.

Wao regularly hosts events that inspire and educate on the topic of local food resilience.

Each autumn, we organise the annual Harvest Festival, which features food workshops, presentations, and a long lunch celebrating our local growers and food producers. We also run Green Drinks and Film Nights focused on food resilience. In October, the Wao Summit brings together the local food ecosystem for a full day dedicated to Food Resilience.

If you're interested in future events, please sign up for our newsletter.

Babu Blatt has been Programme Manager at Wao since January 2023. She oversees the Food Resilience Programme 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

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).