Spring 2025

Slowly emerging from the cocoon of winter, encouraged by the lengthening days and rising temperatures, I’m heartened by the growing awareness and visibility of food waste reduction.

Spring is the time of year when food rescue organisations across Aotearoa come together for the annual Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance conference. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn, connect, and strategise as a collective. With high-quality guest speakers rounding out the programme, we always come away feeling invigorated and reset for the year ahead.

Two other days of recognition also fall within this season:

September 29 marks International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, reminding us of the global goal to halve food waste at the retail and consumer levels by 2030, and to reduce waste throughout the supply chain.

Thursday, 16 October marks the 80th World Food Day — another reminder that peaceful, sustainable access to adequate kai is still not a reality for many, both around the world and in our own backyard.

On a different note, September also celebrates the 50th anniversary of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori — Ake ake ake – a language forever. It challenges us to move beyond our everyday interactions, broaden our vocabulary, and embrace continuous learning.

This year, I will focus on building confidence. I’m grateful for the support (and patience) I receive on my learning journey.

He ākonga tauhou ahau i te reo Māori.

Spring is certainly a welcome season — a time to move forwa

rd, full of energy.