Presented by Our Food Network Dunedin, the Otepoti Food Futures: Strengthening Dunedin’s Local Food Systems hui will be held next Saturday from 9.30am-3pm, in the Dunningham Suite, 4th floor, Dunedin Public Library.
Newly appointed Our Food Network Dunedin project manager Sarah Johnson, who took over the role in September, will be part of a team leading the hui, which will take an in-depth look at local food systems and work towards an effective plan for the future.
"There are a lot of passionate people working on food issues, but the reality is that no single solution will propel Dunedin into a prosperous and food resilient future, ready for the challenges posed by environmental, economic and social factors," she said.
"This can only be achieved through effective collaboration between diverse stakeholders, as we focus on create road maps to making Otepoti a food resilience pioneer, as we look towards 2040."
The hui is open to anyone with an interest in food resilience, including community organisations, businesses, local and regional politicians, schools and individuals of all ages.
Ms Johnson said, while everything in a healthy food system was connected, the hui would focus on creating road maps for community-led action in two main areas: expanding local markets and nurturing community gardens.
As part of the discussion, there would be a panel discussion on "food possibilities" and an action session on "creating food futures".
"We want people to leave the hui with ideas for what we can do right now as individuals to help improve food security in the future.
"And as a group, we want to have a feel for what we can do as a community together."
Ms Johnson acknowledged that running from 9am to 3pm could be a long time for some people, and there was no obligation to stay all day.
"People can come and go during the day — the door will be open."
Shortly after she became project manager, Ms Johnson was involved in the Otago Food Network-led community garden hui, which had "surpassed all our expectations".
"Everyone who attended was very passionate about community gardens, and had great ideas to share.
"Being new to the role, it was great to see how many volunteers we have in the city and the effort they are putting in to working for everyone."
She paid tribute to former Our Food Network project manager Tom Young, who had put a lot of work into organising the hui series.
"I have some very big boots to fill, and have learned so much already from some incredible people.
"The most important thing about this whole process is that we work to ensure that everyone has something good to eat," she said.
People interested in attending the hui are invited to RSVP to ourfoodnetwork@gmail.com by Tuesday, for catering purposes.
