Haumaru Kai Aotearoa (New Zealand Food Safety) envisions a future where there is a strong relationship with tangata whenua and Treaty partners – where opportunities for partnership thrive.  Their vision is that New Zealand kai can be trusted by everyone, everywhere.

Their strategy is their touchstone for communicating to all – about who they are, how the food safety system works, the challenges into the future, and their thinking on what their priorities should be.

One of the four outcomes important to Haumaru Kai Aotearoa is that:

Māori have trust and confidence in the food safety system because we work in partnership.

They want to hear what is important to you about haumaru kai.

Why your feedback is important

There are a few reasons why their relationship with tangata whenua and Treaty partners is important.

They are Treaty partners.

Forging a stronger Māori and Crown relationship is fundamental to improving the wellbeing of all New Zealanders.  Discussing and collaborating on issues of importance like food safety is an important part of giving effect to the Treaty of Waitangi.

There are opportunities to work together for the benefit of the regions and the economy.

The food and primary sector is critical for community life and regional development.  They want to make sure the food safety system supports its development.  Māori businesses make a significant contribution.  In 2015, Māori businesses contributed $26 billion in revenue to the New Zealand economy.

Understanding how to work with you.

So that they get it right they need to understand your views.  During consultation they want to hear what’s important to you and find ways to move the kaupapa forward.

Te Ao Māori, Kai and Haumaru Kai – Their History

Te Pou Oranga Kai o Aotearoa, which operated from 2002 to 2012, developed a close working relationship with Māori.  They worked together on:

  • Kai practices and safety on marae – Te Kai Manawa Ora.
  • Food safety practices when preparing and cooking a hāngi – He whakatairanga i ngā ahuatanga mahi mō te tunu hāngi.

In 2012 Te Pou Oranga Kai o Aotearoa merged with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to form the Ministry for Primary Industries.  In 2018 Haumaru Kai Aotearoa was established as a separate business unit within the Ministry for Primary Industries.

They want to hear your views

To make it easy they have developed material to help you.

There are a number of ways you can learn more and provide your feedback.  Visit: www.mpi.govt.nz/NZFS-strategy, and check out:

  • The full version: A strategy for New Zealand Food Safety
  • The consultation document
  • The drivers for change infographic
  • Question and answers
  • Or email newzealandfoodsafetystrategy@mpi.govt.nz with a question

Making your submission

Email your feedback on the New Zealand Food Safety Strategy by 5pm on 27 September 2019 to newzealandfoodsafetystrategy@mpi.govt.nz.

How you can make a submission:
• There is a template for your submission
• You can complete an online survey and leave your feedback

While MPI prefer email, you can post a written submission to:

A strategy for New Zealand Food Safety

New Zealand Food Safety
PO Box 2526, Wellington 6140, New Zealand.

Submissions are public information

Please note, that any submission you make becomes public information.  People can ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA).  The OIA says that submissions have to be made available unless MPI have good reasons for withholding them.  That is explained in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

Tell MPI if you think there are grounds to withhold specific information in your submission.  Reasons might include that it’s commercially sensitive or it’s personal information.  However, any decision MPI makes to withhold information can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may tell them to release it.  MPI may post all or parts of any written submission on its website.  MPI consider that you have consented to its publication, unless clearly stated otherwise in your submission.