Wellington’s food is not counted as part of our emissions inventory, as it is produced in other parts of Aotearoa and overseas. But what we eat matters, as food is the second largest source of household emissions behind transport, with most coming from agriculture and land-use change.
Supply chain processes are less than a quarter of the emissions from most foods but have significant implications for the resilience of our communities in the future. For example, locally we have seen how large storms can disrupt the areas that supply us with fruit and vegetables.
Internationally, rice supplies have been impacted as countries restrict exports to ensure they have sufficient domestic food supply. The Council’s response to food system emissions and food security continues to be steered by Te Anamata Ā-Kai o Tō Tātou Tāone – Our City’s Food Future.
Central and regional government policy settings
We are not aware of central government policy work on food systems or food security. However, at a regional and local level there are several projects underway. The Regional Food System Plan (RFSP) falls under the climate change priority of the Wellington Regional Leadership Committee’s 30-year plan.
Te Whatu Ora Public Health was commissioned to develop the RFSP in September 2022 and currently remains the lead agency for the project. Numerous stakeholders have been involved in developing the plan alongside our Tākai Here partners, with the vision of “A sustainable, equitable, and locally led regional food system that centres on the wellbeing of the environment and people.”
The Council’s role
Activities have focused on improving kai security through inter-agency coordination, fostering collaboration within the Council, and identifying strategies to increase equitable access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food for the community.
Programmes to equip people with the knowledge, skills, and opportunity to be active participants in the food system have received practical and financial support from the Council.
Council teams are partnering to develop a sustainable food procurement component for the broader procurement toolkit.