Vegetables.co.nz

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR

THE FOOD SYSTEMS OF AOTEAROA?

Words by Sara Collie : Vegetables.co.nz

HortNZ chief executive, Nadine Tunley (right), joined industry leaders: David Neville (chef and consultant) left, Mae Tien (MPI), Jeremy Baker (Beef + Lamb NZ), and Rachel Taulelei (Kono); at this year's NZ Food Writers Conference

Nadine Tunley joined a panel of leaders in the food sector at the annual New Zealand Food Writers Conference in Wellington on 14 August.

The conference was supported by Vegetables.co.nz as part of its long-standing relationship with New Zealand Food Writers. As horticulture is one of the nation’s largest food production sectors, it was fitting our chief executive was there to share her views on behalf of the sector.

Nadine was joined by industry leaders Rachel Taulelei (Kono), Jeremy Baker (Beef + Lamb NZ), David Neville (chef and consultant) and Mae Tien (Ministry for Primary Industries). The question posed to the panel was “What does the future hold for the food systems of Aotearoa?” The panel spoke of the challenges and exciting opportunities they each see for not only their own sectors, but for New Zealand as a whole – as a food producing nation supplying both the international and local markets. What came through clearly was that the sectors are all encountering similar challenges, especially in relation to labour. And no, automation was not seen as the answer to everything. People are appreciated, people are needed. They are what makes food – and the experience of food – what it is.

As real as labour shortages are, so too is climate change. We need to keep moving – fast. We need to keep collaborating and looking for inspiration. There was enthusiastic discussion on the topic of New Zealand food. Defining New Zealand cuisine may be more about the natural characteristics of the foods than the foods themselves. Yes, onions grow in many other places in the world, but do they have the taste and texture of a New Zealand-grown onion? We should draw out our unique characteristics that are influenced by our soils, our climate, our systems. This is what makes New Zealand food. New Zealand produces great food. The world knows that. But do our locals? There is significant investment in telling our New Zealand food story overseas. It is a story we tell with pride. Perhaps it is time we start telling our story at home? There was a resounding concern for food security at the conference. Everyone in our country should have the opportunity to eat nutritious and healthy food. We are a nation that thrives on exports and it is extremely important that trade is well facilitated to ensure that it prospers and grows. We are also a nation where food is in plentiful supply, yet people still go hungry. We need to look at what we can do to ensure there is equity in New Zealand. The panel were in agreement that we can’t just carry on as we are. We can stop and look at all the challenges facing the New Zealand food landscape, but we should also take stock of the fact that on the world stage, we have something great. Let’s keep it that way, continuing to define ourselves as world class food producers – and let our local market know.