Northland’s successful sustainable kai initiative, the Kai Ora Fund, is open for applications from 10 February 2023.

The Kai Ora Fund provides grants of up to $5,000 and project support for community-led initiatives that increase the availability of healthy kai, address food security, and improve community resilience. Community groups, whānau trusts, social enterprises, and small businesses are invited to apply.

Successful applications engage multiple partners, show collaboration with hapu and iwi, promote equity, and demonstrate sustainability, says Erana Peita, Whānau Engagement and Innovation Partner at Mahitahi Hauora Primary Health Entity, which administers the fund.

She said Mahitahi Hauora is expecting high interest in the Kai Ora Fund this year.

“With the cost of fresh produce so high and unpredictable weather affecting food producers, many of our whānau and communities are having problems finding affordable healthy food. There’s a growing awareness that having a local supply of fresh kai is better for our health, better for our pockets, better for community resilience, and better for our environment.”

Ms Peita said the Fund was particularly keen to hear from community groups with projects that provide education and build the skills and capacity of communities to grow their own food. An example is Te Hōkai Nuku, a series of wānanga created by an organisation called Ōnuku. With support from the Kai Ora Fund in 2021 and 2022, this kaupapa has attracted some 150 people from Hokianga and across the Far North who are looking to upskill, learn and gain insights into growing kai and enhancing their own sense of food security.

Te Hōkai Nuku project lead Jared Hiakita urged whānau, small community groups, and trusts developing sustainable kai projects to apply.

“While many other funding programmes have an application process that is administratively heavy and unattainable for most, the Kai Ora Fund is helpful, supportive, and encouraging for people on the local level to connect with,” he said.

“One of the beautiful aspects of the fund is the network that comes with the kaupapa. Through online platforms and in-person gatherings, the Kai Ora team facilities a space where the numerous projects can interact in a meaningful way that encourages cross-kaupapa connections.”

The Kai Ora Fund has supported nearly 250 grassroots projects since it began in 2015. Last year, 42 community projects across Tai Tokerau received a total of $141,195 to support initiatives including māra kai for marae, projects on whenua Māori, and education and capacity-building workshops to help people grow fresh food.

“We support projects across the rohe, from Cape Reinga to Kaiwaka, and in locations ranging from suburban Whangārei to remote rural areas,” said Ms Peita.

The fund is a collaborative multi-sector initiative comprising Mahitahi Hauora, Te Whatu Ora, Te Puni Kōkiri, Far North District Council, Whangārei District Council, Kaipara District Council, the Ministry of Social Development, and Healthy Families Far North.

The closing date for applications is 12pm, Friday 24 March 2023.

Applications can be submitted through an online portal. Support is available to help people submit applications, and those intending to apply are encouraged to contact Mahitahi Hauora well before the application deadline.

For more information or to apply, visit www.kaiorafund.com or contact Mahitahi Hauora on kaiora@mahitahihauora.co.nz or (09) 438 1015.