We face a biodiversity crisis and a climate meltdown. Our food systems are
broken, our soils are depleted and our seeds are owned by global corporations.
Meanwhile colonial capitalism dictates the mainstream response to these crises,
drowning out Indigenous perspectives and solutions, yet Indigenous practices
and understandings of kai (food) offer important pathways to ensuring ecological,
cultural and socio-economic sustainability as well as greater connection to kai in our
everyday lives.
This book salutes Indigenous food heroes from across Aotearoa and neighbouring
islands in Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa who take a holistic approach that considers the
interconnectedness of people, land and food. Their inspiring stories show how
change begins locally and on a small scale.
Written by verified hua parakore farmers, activists, Indigenous researchers and
Indigenous food sovereignty leaders Jessica Hutchings and Jo Smith, Pātaka Kai
encourages a return to Indigenous values and practices to achieve kai sovereignty.
