Kai West Collective

07/08/2026

Still buzzing from our time with Te Kawerau ā Maki💚

Some experiences stay with you long after the day is over. The kōrero, the connections, and the shared commitment to caring for the whenua have left us inspired for what's ahead.

We're looking forward to continuing this journey together!

30/07/2026

We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to deepen our understanding of the whenua, our relationship with Te Kawerau ā Maki, its rich history, and the mātauranga that continues to shape and sustain the whenua today.

From learning about the meaningful places and how these places once connected people through waka journeys, trade, and shared knowledge, we gained a greater appreciation for the enduring relationship between people and place. These stories remind us that the landscape holds generations of history, resilience, and identity.
The kōrero highlighted the wealth of ancestral Matauranga and reinforced that kaitiakitanga begins with connection, understanding the whenua, respecting its stories, and carrying that responsibility forward for future generations.

As Kai West continues to grow, so too does our commitment to working alongside mana whenua with respect, curiosity, and a shared vision for the future.

Ngā mihi nui to Te Kawerau ā Maki for your generosity, your hospitality, and for trusting us with your stories. We look forward to continuing this journey together.

Shout out to Kaitiaki Creative! Ngā mihi for your support and photo shooting.

21/07/2026

🚨 We're Recruiting! 🌱💚

Are you passionate about community development, local food systems, and creating lasting change in West Auckland?

Kai West is looking for a Kai Community Developer to join our team on a fixed-term, 20 hours per week basis.

This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside an incredible network of community leaders, organisations, marae, and local initiatives to strengthen food resilience, support neighbourhood-led action, and help grow a more regenerative and equitable local food system.

If you're someone who enjoys building relationships, bringing people together, and turning ideas into action, we'd love to hear from you!

👉 Apply here: https://jobs.dogoodjobs.co.nz/job/21747/kai-community-developer-fixed-term-20-hours-week/

📢 Please share this post with anyone in your networks who might be the perfect fit.

Together, we're growing the conditions for communities to thrive. 🌿

Kai Community Developer (Fixed term 20 hours/week) Got a knack for bringing people together around good kai? Join the Kai West Collective and help turn community ideas into action, connecting local leaders, growing food networks, and building a more resilient, equitable food system across West Auc

16/07/2026

🤝 We're proud members of the Community Climate Action Network (CCAN), which brings together organisations across Tāmaki Makaurau to strengthen community led climate action.

Join CCAN's next free Hui, Advocacy in Action, to hear guest speakers share practical approaches to community advocacy.

Whether you're part of a community organisation, volunteer your time, or are simply interested in community climate action, you'll leave with practical ideas, new connections and resources you can adapt for your own community.

📅 Wednesday 29 July
🕛 12pm - 2pm
📍 Grey Lynn Community Centre, Main Hall
🎟️ Cost: FREE (with lunch provided)

Register now 👉 https://bit.ly/4aQMuZU


Kai Te Atatū

Join the Campaign for Climate Hui 2026. Explore practical, non-partisan strategies to strengthen community advocacy ahead of the election.

10/07/2026

As we celebrate Matariki, we take time to reflect on the year that has been, honouring the challenges we've overcome, the achievements we've shared, and the people who have walked alongside us.
Matariki reminds us that looking back is just as important as looking ahead. Every lesson learned, every connection strengthened, and every act of kindness becomes part of the foundation we carry into the future.

As the stars rise, so too does our hope for what lies ahead. May we move forward with gratitude, purpose, and a shared commitment to building a brighter, more abundant future for our communities.

From all of us at Kai West Collective, we wish you and your whānau a meaningful Matariki. May this season bring reflection, renewal, and the promise of new beginnings.
Mānawatia a Matariki.

06/07/2026

We've submitted! 🌿

Kai West has officially submitted our response to the Conservation Amendment Bill 2026.

Our submission calls for stronger protection of Aotearoa's public conservation land, recognising its importance for biodiversity, climate resilience, food sovereignty, and the customary gathering of kai and rongoā for current and future generations.

Have your say too! Public submissions are open until midday on the 13 July. Every voice counts in protecting the places that nourish our people and our taiao.

Together, we can help ensure our conservation lands remain protected for generations to come.

Kai West

30/06/2026

Tomorrow's the day to start growing your own kai!

For just $10, you'll build your own raised garden bed to take home, plant it with seedlings, and learn simple tips to get your veggie garden thriving.

Wesley & RYZ Centre
Monday 29 June, 11am to 2pm
💲 FREE TICKETS AVAILABLE GET IN QUICK!

It's a great way to learn new skills, save money on groceries, and grow fresh food at home. Book now, we'd love to see you there!
https://events.humanitix.com/build-a-garden-bed-wesley-community-centre-monday-29june-11-2pm

10/06/2026

What a fantastic day at Hoani Waititi Marae, where we came together for a pressure canning session with Pacific Vision Aotearoa. This is just the beginning of many kaupapa aimed at building stronger community kai resilience, sustainability, and food security.
Ngā mihi nui to Waitākere Ranges Local Board for supporting this important kaupapa. Together, we're growing skills, sharing knowledge, and creating more resilient communities for the future. 🌱🥫💚
Kai West