Healthy Families South Auckland and Auckland Council recently saw the social, economic and health impact that something as simple as kūmara can have for whānau in Tāmaki Makaurau.
The Enterprising Kai initiative was officially launched in late May, marked by the harvest of several tonnes of kūmara that were then prepared and shared with community groups throughout Auckland to help ensure whānau have access to nourishing kai.
Supported by Healthy Families South Auckland, Enterprising Kai is a Pacific-led social enterprise focused on strengthening food security in South Auckland.
Led by the New Zealand Kahoa Tauleva Trust, the initiative aims to bring together food production, hospitality and distribution to make healthy kai more accessible, while building kai resilience and restoring dignity for whānau.
“Enterprising Kai is about working with what is already there,” Trust Chair Kuli Taumoefolau says.
“We are growing food across Pukekohe and Okaihau and making sure it reaches our communities. At the same time, we are making better use of food that might otherwise go to waste.”
That approach brings together several parts of the food system. Food is grown locally, including vegetables, eggs and meat, and kept within the community wherever possible. Food rescue also plays a role, ensuring good food is not lost but redirected to people who need it.
Food then moves through networks that people already know and trust, including marae, and community organisations.
“It means whānau can access food in ways that feel right for them. It is familiar, respectful, and it keeps connections strong.”
Alongside this, Enterprising Kai is creating opportunities that go beyond food distribution. Plans include a community café to support long-term sustainability, along with employment and training pathways for local people.
There is also a focus on community learning, from composting and soil regeneration to workshops that support climate awareness and emergency readiness, as well as volunteer and work experience opportunities.
Healthy Families South Auckland Lead Systems Innovator Ray Tuala says this is about more than just distribution.
“This is a circular approach. Food is grown locally, shared locally and the benefits stay in the community,” he says.
“Enterprising Kai shows what can happen when communities lead. It moves us away from short term responses and towards a more connected, long-term way of making sure people have access to good food.”