Our Food Network (OFN) chairwoman Robyn Zink said the response to November’s city-wide Ōtepoti Food Futures hui, which brought together people from all sectors to discuss and plan ways to grow local food systems, had been overwhelmingly positive.
Ms Zink said many of those who attended the hui had been inspired by having the opportunity to share their work with others, and "felt that they were part of something larger".
"It became clear that, together, we were all making a difference," she said.
Now it was time to follow up on that high-level planning and to continue to push forward on "an exciting journey" through a new hui, titled "Growing Stronger Together — Planning a Resilient Food Future".
The event will be held on Sunday, March 30, 1pm-3pm at the Southern Youth Development site, 45 Maori Rd, Belleknowes.
OFN project manager Sarah Johnson said the hui would look at how Dunedin’s many food and produce-focused groups "could all move forward together" with its help.
"Our aim is to focus on the priorities and discuss how we can help initiatives along and keep the momentum going.
"This will be another opportunity to connect, share ideas and network," she said.
The "great ideas and creativity" expressed during November’s hui had kick-started some positive new projects, which OFN was keen to support and promote.
Those included "Crop Swap" sessions hosted by the Valley Project in North East Valley on the last Sunday of each month, 3pm-4pm, where people were welcome to bring excess garden produce, preserves or kitchenware to share with others.
The first Crop Swap event, held at the end of February, had been a great success and future events were planned for March 30 and April 27.
Another new initiative was the establishment of a "Food Growing Support Group", led by OFN committee member and Musselburgh Community Garden co-ordinator Sue Novell.
The aim of the group was to bring people involved in community gardens together to visit each others’ gardens, share support and problem solve.
Local scientist Dr Ivan Lin had developed "Pollinator Resources", highlighting important insects for pollination, including bees, butterflies, flies and moths, and providing tips for gardeners on ways to support pollinators. The resources could be found on the OFN website:
OFN was also working on an interactive online map, to make it easier for people to find local community gardens, agriculture, and so on.
"These are just a few of the things that came out of the November hui, which is fantastic," Ms Zink said.
"Our feeling is the more we can keep talking, keep people engaged and bring our local groups together, the better it will be for our future food resilience."
For more information on this month’s hui and to RSVP, email ourfoodnetwork@gmail.com
• Our Food Network Dunedin will host its annual Harvest Festival, including workshops, music, food trucks and apple juicing for cider, 11am-2.30pm on Sunday, April 27, at the Valley Project rooms, 262 North Rd, North East Valley.
