University of Auckland's Groundbreaking Research on Māori Food Systems

The University of Auckland's Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences has released compelling new research led by Dr. Madeline Shelling (Ngāti Porou), a postdoctoral health researcher. This kaupapa Māori study delves into the roots of Māori food insecurity, challenging common assumptions by linking it directly to the ongoing effects of colonisation rather than individual lifestyle choices. Through in-depth interviews with Māori kai experts, the research uncovers how historical land loss and environmental degradation have dismantled traditional food systems, leaving lasting impacts on whānau health and cultural wellbeing.

Kaupapa Māori research methodology centres Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, ensuring that findings reflect authentic Māori experiences. Dr. Shelling emphasises that pre-colonial Māori thrived on sustainable practices tied to whenua (land), involving a rich array of foods from forests, rivers, coasts, and gardens. Today, these systems are fractured, contributing to health disparities that affect nearly twice as many Māori households as non-Māori.

Pre-Colonial Māori Food Abundance and Kaitiakitanga

Before European arrival, Māori food security was robust, supported by mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship). Communities harvested tuna (eels), shellfish, birds, berries, fern roots, kūmara (sweet potato), and seafood through rākau (trees), awa (rivers), and moana (seas). Trade networks and seasonal practices ensured abundance without waste, fostering strong hauora (wellbeing).

This relational approach viewed kai (food) as intertwined with whakapapa (genealogy) and the environment. Whānau had mana whenua (authority over land), mana moana (over sea), and responsibilities to sustain resources. Such systems exemplified food sovereignty, where control over production, distribution, and consumption lay within iwi (tribes).

Four Key Impacts of Colonisation on Māori Food Insecurity

The study identifies four interconnected impacts of colonisation that perpetuate Māori food insecurity:

• Loss of whenua and mahinga kai: Land confiscations, privatisation, urbanisation, and waterway pollution severed access to traditional gathering sites. Rivers filled with sediment, coasts overfished, reducing healthy kai sources.
• Erosion of rangatiratanga: Colonial laws banned customary harvesting, gifting, and rāhui (temporary bans), undermining self-determination and forcing reliance on cash economies.
• Marginalisation of mātauranga Māori: Suppression of Indigenous practices led to intergenerational knowledge loss, with whānau experiencing whakamā (shame) over poverty normalised as 'just being Māori'.
• Impacts on hauora: Food scarcity triggered cycles of poor nutrition, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, compounded by stigma framing these as 'lifestyle choices'.

Dr. Shelling notes, 'Colonisation is still shaping what’s on people’s dinner plates today.' Foods like pork bones emerged as survival adaptations during hardship, not core traditions.

Environmental Degradation and the Crisis of Unhealthy Whenua

Land health, or healthy whenua, is central to Māori food systems. Degradation from intensive farming, sedimentation, pollution, and climate change has rendered many mahinga kai sites unusable. For instance, waterways once teeming with tuna now suffer from low oxygen and contaminants, while coastal shellfish beds face acidification.

Research from NIWA and Landcare highlights how these changes disproportionately affect Māori communities, with 75% of Te Arawa rohe respondents reporting mahinga kai decline. Ministry for the Environment's 'Our Land 2024' report warns that ecosystem degradation threatens te taiao (natural world), amplifying food insecurity. Without healthy whenua, as Dr. Shelling states, 'It's hard to get healthy kai.'

For academics studying environmental science at New Zealand universities, this underscores opportunities in research jobs focused on restoration.

Startling Statistics on Māori Food Insecurity in Aotearoa

Recent data paints a stark picture. The 2024/25 New Zealand Health Survey reveals 32.3% of Māori children live in food-insecure households, compared to lower rates for other groups. Salvation Army's 2025 report notes food insecurity doubled among households with children by June 2024, with 27% of all Kiwi kids affected—one in three tamariki Māori.

• 35% Māori children vs. 18% European and 12% Asian in food-insecure homes (2024 figures).
• 45% of Salvation Army food parcels go to Māori whānau.
• Healthy food prices rose 54% from 2018-2023, outpacing wages.

Nationwide, 15-20% face insecurity, highest among Māori and Pasifika. These metrics tie directly to land health decline, as supermarket reliance replaces mahinga kai.

Photo by Mathew Waters on Unsplash

Health and Cultural Ramifications for Whānau

Beyond nutrition, Māori food insecurity erodes cultural identity. Intergenerational trauma from land loss fosters normalised poverty, with whānau adapting via cheap, processed foods. This fuels diet-related diseases: Māori bear higher burdens of obesity (twice non-Māori rates) and type 2 diabetes.

Emotional toll includes whakamā and stigma, yet communities persist through resilience. University research like this informs public health strategies, opening doors for academic careers in epidemiology and nutrition.

Critiques and Balanced Perspectives

While the study garners praise for centring Māori voices, critics like Geoff Parker argue food insecurity stems more from income levels, welfare dependency, and personal choices than solely colonisation. They contend framing it structurally risks excusing accountability, urging focus on economic empowerment.

This debate highlights the need for multifaceted approaches. Balanced views from outlets like RNZ emphasise acknowledging history without victimhood, promoting agency through policy and community action. Such discourse enriches higher education discussions on social determinants of health.

Explore diverse viewpoints via Rate My Professor for NZ academics in this field.

Māori-Led Solutions and Revitalisation Efforts

Māori are reclaiming food sovereignty through initiatives like Hua Parakore (organic certification), iwi-managed fisheries, urban food forests, and Te Waka Kai Ora. Case studies include Te Araroa whānau gardens and rāhui reviving tuna populations.

• Community kai collectives distribute mahinga kai equitably.
• Regenerative farming restores whenua fertility.
• Youth programs teach mātauranga Māori on sustainable harvesting.

These bottom-up efforts demonstrate rangatiratanga in action. For researchers, partnering with iwi offers pathways in New Zealand university jobs.

Learn more in Salvation Army's Ending Food Insecurity report.

The Role of Universities in Addressing Food Insecurity

New Zealand universities like Auckland lead kaupapa Māori research, training future experts in nutrition, environmental science, and policy. Dr. Shelling's work exemplifies how higher education bridges academia and communities, informing Te Tiriti o Waitangi-honouring strategies.

Opportunities abound in faculty positions and postdoctoral roles tackling land health. Institutions foster collaborations, from NIWA fieldwork to GeoHealth labs.

Policy Recommendations and Future Outlook

The study calls for decolonising food systems: restore whenua access, repeal harvesting barriers, protect environments, and fund Māori initiatives. A proposed National Food Strategy grounded in Te Tiriti could integrate these, alongside investments in whenua restoration.

With climate pressures mounting, proactive steps promise healthier kai for all. Universities will drive evidence-based change, positioning graduates for impactful postdoc opportunities.

Read the full University of Auckland press release and RNZ coverage here.

Photo by Kishan Modi on Unsplash

Pathways Forward: Careers and Engagement

For those inspired, pursue higher education in public health or ecology. AcademicJobs.com lists roles at NZ unis, from lecturer jobs to research assistantships. Engage via higher ed career advice, rate professors on Rate My Professor, and explore higher ed jobs.

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