Unveiling the University of Auckland's Groundbreaking Research on Māori Food Insecurity

The University of Auckland has released a compelling new study highlighting how historical and ongoing effects of colonisation continue to shape food insecurity among Māori communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. Led by Dr. Madeline Shelling (Ngāti Porou), an honorary research fellow in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, this kaupapa Māori (Māori-centred) investigation challenges common narratives that attribute food struggles to personal choices. Instead, it points to systemic disruptions caused by colonial processes.

Food insecurity, defined as the inability to reliably access safe and nutritious food to meet dietary needs and preferences for an active, healthy life, affects Māori at nearly double the rate of non-Māori populations. Recent data underscores this disparity: in 2024, 35% of tamariki Māori (Māori children) lived in households where food ran out sometimes or often, compared to 18% for European children and 12% for Asian children. This research positions the University of Auckland as a key player in addressing health inequities through culturally grounded scholarship.

Historical Context: Pre-Colonial Māori Food Systems

Before European arrival, Māori sustained sophisticated, resilient food systems rooted in mātauranga Māori (Indigenous knowledge). Diets featured diverse, nutrient-rich foods like kūmara (sweet potato), tuna (eel), shellfish, birds, berries, and aruhe (fern root). Communities practised kaitiakitanga (guardianship), ensuring sustainable harvesting from whenua (land), moana (sea), and awa (rivers). Surplus kai (food) supported trade between hapū (sub-tribes) and iwi (tribes), fostering strong hauora (well-being).

These systems emphasised interconnectedness: people were not above nature but kaitiaki with responsibilities tied to mana whenua (authority over land). This contrasts sharply with today's reliance on processed supermarket items, a shift accelerated by colonisation.

Four Key Impacts of Colonisation Identified in the Study

The UoA study delineates four interconnected impacts dismantling Māori kai systems:

• Loss of whenua and mahinga kai (traditional food-gathering sites): Land confiscations, urbanisation, pollution, and privatisation severed access to rivers, wetlands, and coasts.
• Erosion of rangatiratanga (self-determination): Regulations hinder harvesting, sharing, or selling kai on ancestral lands, clashing with tikanga (customs).
• Marginalisation of mātauranga Māori: Intergenerational knowledge loss led to devaluing traditional foods, fostering whakamā (shame).
• Broader hauora effects: Normalised poverty, stigma, and diet-related diseases like obesity and diabetes.

Dr. Shelling notes, 'Colonisation is still shaping what’s on people’s dinner plates today.' Examples include survival foods like pork bones and lamb flaps, adopted during hardship rather than pre-colonial staples.

Methodology: A Kaupapa Māori Approach

Employing qualitative in-depth interviews with Māori kai experts, the study embodies kaupapa Māori principles—prioritising Māori voices, realities, and solutions. This contrasts with quantitative surveys, offering nuanced insights into lived experiences. Dr. Shelling emphasises, 'People often talk about food insecurity as if it’s about bad choices, but what we heard repeatedly is that many of those ‘choices’ simply don’t exist.' Such research from institutions like the University of Auckland informs policy and empowers whānau (extended families).Crafting impactful research like this requires strong academic skills.

Current Statistics and Disparities in New Zealand

Nationwide, food insecurity hit a decade-high in 2024, affecting 27% of children in households with under-15s—up significantly since 2022. Māori comprise 45% of Salvation Army food parcel recipients, reflecting entrenched inequities. The cost of a healthy food basket soared 54% from 2018 to 2023, outpacing wage growth.

Urban Māori face compounded challenges: limited green spaces, polluted waterways, and proximity to unhealthy outlets. For those pursuing university roles in nutrition or public health, understanding these stats is crucial for impactful work.

Critiques and Balanced Perspectives

Not all views align with the study. Commentator Geoff Parker argues food insecurity ties more to current income, household choices, and welfare dependency than distant colonisation. He advocates personal responsibility, stable families, and colour-blind policies over 'decolonising' rhetoric, citing accessible staples like rice and eggs.

This debate highlights tensions in research interpretation, urging multifaceted approaches. Higher education fosters such discourse, preparing scholars for research assistant positions tackling complex issues.

Māori-Led Food Sovereignty Initiatives and Case Studies

Hope lies in Māori-driven efforts reclaiming kai sovereignty. Hua Parakore certifies organic, culturally aligned foods. Community gardens in Auckland restore mahinga kai, while iwi like Ngāti Porou revive traditional fishing. A case study from two marae (meeting grounds) shows resilience through hybrid old-new practices.

• Urban food forests address access gaps for city whānau.
• Te Waka Kai Ora supports national Māori organics.

These models demonstrate scalability, with universities partnering for evaluation.Read the full UoA press release.

Policy Recommendations and Government Responses

The study urges decolonising food systems: restore land/water access, repeal restrictive laws, protect environments, fund Māori initiatives. Broader calls include a National Food Strategy honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, healthy food subsidies, and local procurement.

Government actions like school lunches help, but critics seek more: Grocery Commissioner expansion, Māori economy boosts. Academic research drives these shifts.

Implications for Higher Education and Research Careers

Universities like Auckland lead in kaupapa Māori research, training experts in nutrition, public health, and Indigenous studies. This study exemplifies how higher ed informs policy, fostering careers in faculty positions or research jobs. Aspiring academics can explore higher ed career advice for paths forward.

Photo by Te Pania ♡ on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Rebuilding Resilient Food Systems

Optimism stems from growing Māori leadership, tech innovations, and policy momentum. Revitalising mātauranga Māori could halve disparities by 2030. Universities will pioneer evaluations, ensuring evidence-based progress. Explore opportunities at NZ university jobs, rate your professors, or higher ed jobs to contribute.

For deeper insights, check Salvation Army's report: Ending Food Insecurity.