How might we increase the awareness of the total utilisation of food and crop practices to support the young generations of our local community in Aotearoa, whilst promoting sustainability and their well-being?

The increasing abundance of food has led to a significant challenge of resource waste and loss, where a substantial portion of available resources remain inefficiently utilised for human consumption, animal feed, product innovations, the development of new materials, or energy production. This predicament can be attributed to various factors across the entire food supply chain, particularly to the younger generations who have been statistically identified as one of the primary key contributors to food waste. 

This issue is further compounded by a generational knowledge gap and the ineffectiveness of conventional interventions aimed at addressing the problem within this specific demographic. These interventions often lack interactivity, integrations of indigenous knowledge, practices, and holistic approaches, which could prove more effective in combating this issue.

NatuArt is a workshop toolkit dedicated to educating the younger generations about the significance of resource sustainability, through concepts like Kaitiakitanga and Whanaungatanga. It aims to help them recognise the true value of food and explore existing solutions.

The toolkit includes various tools and activities, such as an information guide, puzzles, reflection cards and storytelling exercises, all designed to encourage reflections on one's identity and connection to their land and well-being. Through these activities, users can gain an understanding of sustainable values, food practices and principles that are rooted in Mātauranga Māori.

NatuArt’s primary target audience is the younger generation, who play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future. As citizens and residents of Aotearoa, we must empower our people and communities to uphold the principles of the Treaty with invaluable indigenous knowledge to help them become stewards of the environment and ensure the well-being of our land, culture and whakapapa.