Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna hold a wealth of opportunities for creating new products with strong connections to its land and culture. 

People around the world have a strong interest in the origin of their food and how it is produced. Many want to know their food is produced in a sustainable way, with minimal impact on the environment and local communities.  

Aotearoa New Zealand has a reputation for safe food produced in a sustainable way. The unique culture and biodiversity provide opportunities to tell a deeper story of foods that are connected to the land, the people and their history. Many taonga (prized) species have been used for generations for their health and wellness properties. 

Mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge), Te Ao Māori (the Māori world view) and pūtaiao (science) can come together to create new globally unique, ethically produced foods, ingredients and products with a strong provenance story. We’re working in partnership with Māori to develop high-value taonga-based ingredients with proven nutritional and functional benefits.  

Our research is creating resilient, culturally grounded food systems and restoring ecosystems. We are also building strong foundations and principles to enable research that acknowledge the cultural importance of taonga.