Ngā Rourou Kai is a marae-led initiative that strengthens the ability of marae and whānau across Waikato to feed their people, care for their whenua, and build resilience in the face of increasing environmental, social and economic challenges.

While Waikato produces more than enough food to feed its population, many whānau continue to experience food insecurity. At the same time, communities are facing the impacts of climate change, rising living costs, biodiversity decline, degraded waterways, disrupted supply chains and growing disconnection from traditional food systems.

Marae have increasingly become places of refuge during times of crisis. During major weather events, states of emergency and community disruptions, marae have opened their doors to shelter whānau, coordinate responses and provide kai and support. Despite this important role, many marae receive little support to strengthen the infrastructure, knowledge and capability required to prepare for future challenges.

Ngā Rourou Kai responds by supporting marae to develop local food systems that are regenerative, culturally grounded and environmentally resilient.

The initiative recognises that kai sovereignty is about more than growing food. It includes growing, hunting, fishing, gathering, preserving and sharing kai in ways that strengthen relationships between people, whenua and wai. Through seasonal wānanga, hands-on learning and marae-led planning, participants will build practical skills while restoring the ecological systems that sustain healthy communities.

The project draws on mātauranga Māori, maramataka, Hua Parakore principles and regenerative land management approaches. Marae will be supported to establish productive growing spaces, food forests, seed-saving systems and biodiversity projects that improve soil health, increase pollinator habitat, strengthen ecosystem resilience and contribute to long-term food security.

Working alongside Go Eco's biodiversity, freshwater and environmental education teams, participating marae will also explore opportunities to restore native habitats, improve freshwater health, manage pest pressures and create productive native landscapes that support both ecological and cultural outcomes.

Ngā Rourou Kai aims to leave a lasting legacy of stronger marae, healthier ecosystems and communities that are better prepared to respond to future environmental and economic shocks. By investing in local leadership, ecological restoration and community capability, the initiative contributes to a future where people and ecosystems can thrive together.