A new way forward for our food and fibres sector

Taiao Ora is an independent, collaborative initiative to put the wellbeing of Te Taiao (our natural world) at the heart of our food and fibres sector.

What is Taiao Ora?

Taiao Ora is a new way of doing that can be applied in any food and fibres business in Aotearoa New Zealand. It’s being developed by Māori and Pākehā food and fibres leaders with guidance from mātauranga Māori specialists, farmers and growers, sector experts, and scientists. Together, we will develop new, holistic, evidence-based systems for working on the land and water that enhance the wellbeing of Te Taiao and address some of the most significant challenges and opportunities of our time.

Taiao Ora is built upon:

 

Principles (kawenata)

  • The natural world must be able to thrive without overuse

  • Any use is a privilege, not a right

  • If something is not healthy or well, we must fix it

Pillars (pou)

Whenua (Land)

Wai (Water)

Āhuarangi (Climate)

Koiora (Living Beings)

Why is this important?

As farmers, growers, fishers, and producers, the natural world has shaped our way of life for generations. It’s in our best interest to protect and restore nature. Not only for our individual businesses, but for the health and wellbeing of our families, communities, and future generations. Taiao Ora is a way of aligning what we do on the land in our businesses with our values — our deep connection to the land, our pride in making high-quality products with integrity, and our desire to be good ancestors. It’s time to rethink how we work with Te Taiao and it’s on us to lead the change. 

Meet the Steering Group

  • Miriana Stephens

  • John Rodwell

  • Maury Leyland

  • Mavis Mullins

  • Richard Te Hurinui Jones

  • Rob Hewett

  • Warwick Tauwhare-George

  • Stephanie Howard

“Taiao Ora, Tangata Ora is a collaborative initiative to build a food and fibre sector that’s unique and valuable to Aotearoa New Zealand and the world. By putting Te Taiao at the centre of everything we do, we can achieve the vision I laid out at the beginning. We can restore nature, we can enhance our productive landscapes, we can raise up our people and communities, and we can create vibrant, resilient businesses that set a new standard in the marketplace.”

Meet the Programme Team

  • Naomi Aporo

  • Dr Bruce Campbell

  • Horiana Irwin

  • Johny O'Donnell

  • Anna Crosbie

  • Wayne Mulligan

  • Stephanie Howard

  • Tina Porou

How can I be involved?

Farmers, growers, fishers, producers, and food and fibres businesses are invited to be part of co-creating Taiao Ora. As people who work on the land and water, you have valuable knowledge, experience, stories, and wisdom to contribute. We will be setting up trials with innovative and aspirational farmers in the near future and there will be ongoing opportunities to help shape and inform the development of Taiao Ora.

More information on how to be involved will be available soon. For now, please sign up below to receive regular updates.