Ngati Ranginui, District Health Board and Toi Tangata push for healthier food on marae

Local iwi and health leaders will meet at Wairoa Marae this weekend to discuss healthier choices for the community. Photo/File

A push to see healthier food on Bay of Plenty marae has prompted local iwi and health providers to create a programme using Māori principles.

Ngati Ranginui, the Bay of Plenty District Health Board and Toi Tangata along with local health leaders will meet at Wairoa Marae this weekend with the aim to support and uplift marae whanau and community.

The hands-on programme aims to connect the principles of Māori and maramataka (Maori lunar calendar) for kai (food) and wai (water) from a local perspective.

Toi Tangata chief executive officer Megan Tunks said local marae, Māori organisations and tribal entities could lead the way in setting healthy examples for their people in nutrition and physical activity.

"Toi Tangata is keen to work with local Māori leaders, groups and organisations to find ways to address issues such as the cost of healthy foods and reducing barriers for Māori health.

"Food pricing and accessibility, for Māori in particular, are key areas that we can influence and enhance the food system for better health outcomes for all communities," Tunks said.

Bay of Plenty District Health Board community educator and chef Stephen Cameron, who was an oral health promoter with the Community Dental Services, would use a practical approach to learning.

Participants would be supported to develop their own tikanga (customs) for kai based on the connections to their marae.

Rereata Makiha would share his knowledge on the Māori lunar calendar and how during a typical lunar month, some days are noted as being favourable for resource harvesting.

This collaboration concludes with the launch of Ngati Ranginui's new six-month programme Mauri Ora Whānau Journey, a journey of wānanga and fun physical activities for the whole whānau.