About Kōanga Kai

Kōanga Kai is an initiative that encourages whānau rangatiratanga by building healthy and sustainable kai production practices, influenced by the traditions and mātauranga of our tīpuna.

We support entities throughout Te Waipounamu to deliver Kōanga Kai programmes within their communities. By providing physical resources and coaching, whānau are empowered to participate in communal gardens or create māra kai in their homes or communities, and engage in planting, hunting, gathering, foraging, producing, preserving and preparing kai.

Kōanga Kai is about self-determination and sustainability – kai production that puts whānau in charge of creating healthy lifestyles, and that is environmentally and economically sustainable.

Applications are open now and close on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Keep scrolling for more information and to start your application.

Kōanga Kai Tool Box

These resources will help you with your application

Budget template

Implementation Plan

How to create an unlisted YouTube video

He tautāwhi kua whakakahaina | Enhanced support

As well as our November roadshows and January workshops, this time around we are also offering 1:1 support throughout the application process.

We have kaimahi dedicated to different rohe and areas of expertise to support you, answer any pātai you may have or provide guidance when completing your application.

If you would like some extra support, simply fill in this form and one of our kaimahi will be in contact.

“Kōanga Kai represents the energy of spring, new shoots of life and the excitement of possibility. It also links us to the legacy of Rākaihautū, who travelled throughout Te Waipounamu and carved out its lakes and rivers using his kō, or digging stick.”

Kōanga Kai stories

Kōanga Kai – Koha Kai

Janice Lee started Koha Kai in 2015 as a way to provide to support and develop the skills of a small group of people, many of whom were living with disabilities. The initiative has flourished and in the past seven years, there have been big changes.
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Kōanga Kai – Uruuruwhenua

For Alva Bennett of Uruuruwhenua Health in Alexandra, the Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu Kōanga Kai initiative has provided the opportunity to watch whānau grow with their gardens.
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Kōanga Kai – Whānau Whanake

When Riwai Grace and his wife Cate decided to create a māra kai in Hoon Hay, they saw it as a way to foster intergenerational change – a place where struggling rangatahi in particular, could find comfort, connection and kai. 
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