Pātaka Kai: Growing kai sovereignty
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We face a biodiversity crisis and a climate meltdown. Our food systems are broken, our soils are depleted and our seeds are owned by global corporations. Meanwhile colonial capitalism dictates the mainstream response to these crises, drowning out Indigenous perspectives and solutions, yet Indigenous practices and understandings of kai (food) offer important pathways to ensuring ecological, cultural and socio-economic sustainability as well as greater connection to kai in our everyday lives. This book salutes Indigenous food heroes from across Aotearoa and neighbouring islands in Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa who take a holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of people, land and food. Their inspiring stories show how change begins locally and on a small scale. Written by verified hua parakore farmers, activists, Indigenous researchers and Indigenous food sovereignty leaders Jessica Hutchings and Jo Smith, Pātaka Kai encourages a return to Indigenous values and practices to achieve kai sovereignty and well-being for Mother Earth and her people.
Author: Jessica Hutchings
ISBN: 9781991016850
Publisher: Massey University Press
Published: 13/03/2025
Format: Paperback / softback
About the Author
Dr Jessica Hutchings (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Huirapa, Gujarati) is a research leader, author, activist and hua parakore grower who lives on a small whānau farm north of Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington. She is an active member of Te Waka Kai Ora (National Māori Organics Authority) and holds a PhD in Environmental Studies. She leads and supports Kaupapa Māori research to deliver transformation across diverse Māori communities. She is the author of Te Mahi Māra Hua Parakore: a Māori Food Sovereignty Handbook (2016) and, with Jenny Lee-Morgan, Decolonisation in Aotearoa: Education, Research and Practice (2016). She has also co-edited, with Jo Smith, Te Mahi Oneone Hua Parakore: A Māori Soil Sovereignty and Wellbeing Handbook (2020) and, with Jo Smith and Fiona Cram, Kāinga Tahi, Kāinga Rua: Maōri Housing Realities and Aspirations (2022).
Dr Jo Smith (Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, Kāi Tahu) is a senior kairangahau Māori for Papawhakaritorito Charitable Trust and works part-time at Te Herenga Waka. She has a PhD in Film and Media Studies and is the author of Māori Television: the first ten years (2016) and co-editor, with Jessica Hutchings, of Te Mahi Oneone Hua Parakore: A Māori Soil Sovereignty and Wellbeing Handbook (2020) and Kāinga Tahi, Kāinga Rua: Maōri Housing Realities and Aspirations (2022) co-edited with Jessica Hutchings and Fiona Cram.
Dr Johnson Witehira (Tamahaki, Ngāti Hinekura, Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tūteauru, Ngāti Hāmoa) is a leading Māori innovator working across art, design, technology and game development.
Yvonne Taura (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Uenuku, Ngāti Hauā) is a kairangahau Māori for Manaaki Whenua — Landcare Research, Hamilton, and is completing her PhD with the University of Waikato.