By seeking solutions to support whānau in their community, Kōkiri Mārae are working alongside those most in need to steer the way out of food insecurity.

For many on low incomes, poverty-related hunger is a stark reality. A steadily increasing number of people throughout Aotearoa are requiring extra support just to feed their families. Up and down the country many social services and community food distribution champions are instigating new initiates to help make a difference – Kōkiri Marae being one.  Trailing ingenuities to food security for their Lower Hutt community, Kōkiri have championed a variety of leads to refute accessibility barriers - in part through their Māra Kai services.

 Kōkiri’s difference has been to identify the barriers for their manuhiri/guests, and to adapt solutions that work within their rohe/region. Services offered target those at-risk by using tikanga Māori including values such as ‘Manaakitanga’, ‘Whanaungatanga’ and ‘Whakapapa’. Difficulties for whānau have included a lack of phone credit to call for support; transport to and from Foodbanks and support services; and whakamā or shame aspects when reaching out for support. 

 For whānau needing support, Kōkiri have set up an 0800-number removing the need for mobile phone and data credit. Kōkiri have also incorporated a delivery services for those without transport, and have stream-lined the sign-up process.

 Kōkiri knew engaging just in Food Parcel provisions wasn’t going to move their community toward food security. Through a set of opportunities that arose from collaborations formed during COVID lockdown, Kōkiri’s Māra Kai arose. Māra Kai gives whānau the opportunity to participate in the growing, care and consumption of fresh vegetables harvested. Through collaboration with local Council and a neighbouring church for land, Kōkiri provide an opportunity to tend to, and reap the benefits of, their Māra Kai community gardens. Drawing on gardening wisdom from their partnership with Common Unity, there is an emphasis on education and growing vegetable staples like potato varieties.

 Kōkiri continue to innovate with a regenerative community give-back initiative through fundraising, with proceeds helping to replenish their Māra kai. In some instances, auspicious participants have been able to secure a 3-piece planter box filled with in-season vegetables and plants of the recipient’s choice which can be used as a kick start for self-harvesting practices.

 Helping whānau navigate pathways to food security requires a variety of collaborative efforts, the wisdom of champions familiar with their community needs, and a willingness to diversify and adapt in order to find solutions for our growing population who experience poverty-related hunger.

 Thank you, Kōkiri Marae, for stepping up to the challenges of COVID-19 lockdown to feed your wider community, listening to their needs and for seeking to collaborate with others; showing leadership by encouraging a move towards food security and community self-sufficiency.