The Māori food sector is on the menu

Representatives from government, Māori business, research and academic communities will gather this month to discuss the Māori food sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is jointly hosting a symposium with the Institute of Policy Studies at Victoria University as part of Māori Language Week, which focuses this year on the theme “Te Mahi Kai”.

“Food is a central part of Māori custom and society,” says MAF’s Director of Māori Strategy, George Ria. “The theme for Te wiki o te Reo cuts across many work streams within MAF. We have a role to play in maintaining and enhancing the integrity of our indigenous foods.”

Speakers from MAF, the New Zealand Food Safety Authority, the Federation of Māori Authorities and groups including Tuaropaki Trust, Te Waka Kai Ora. Tahuri Whenua, and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hine will discuss topics including the strategic issues for MAF that may relate to Māori and food, food production, food safety, and traditional knowledge and practices with community initiatives already under way, and the challenges of supplying food to local and global markets.

The symposium is open to all. Details are:
Date: 28 July 2010
Time: 10am-3pm
Venue: Railway West Wing, Victoria University

For more information, contact: Victoria Moss, Senior Communications Advisor
Phone: 04-894 0141 or victoria.moss@maf.govt.nz