You’re invited to join us at He Whenua Rongo – an Indigenous Seed, Soil and Food Sovereignty Symposium, held in Tāmaki Makaurau in April.
The event is designed to support research and practices that champion kai atua and deliver biodiversity, food security and cultural heritage.
We will come together for a three-day wānanga to collaborate with other farmers, Indigenous communities, local food producers, activists, hua parakore producers, Indigenous researchers and policymakers. We’ll explore, celebrate and connect with the wisdom of preserving and promoting seed freedom and diversity, regenerating soils and restoring Aotearoa’s cultural food systems.
Topics covered include free trade and agriculture, Indigenous seed sovereignty, GMOs in food and farming, post-capitalist economies, hua parakore and community empowerment.
From 11 – 13 April 2024 at Te Mahurehure Marae and Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae in Tāmaki Makaurau, we will all get the opportunity to learn from world-leading food advocates and each other. It’s a chance for you to build connections, share knowledge and create pathways to action.
Together, we will gain insights into innovative approaches, successful initiatives, and best practices that can contribute to the sustainable management of seed, soil and food systems worldwide.
As the New Zealand Government moves to introduce GMOs into our food system and our communities are rapidly impacted by a changing climate, never has the time been more crucial for all of us to unite at this event and create resilient food futures for all.
There is already a lot of people who want to attend this event so make sure you buy your ticket today.
PROGRAMME
Day one: Thursday, 11 April 2024
Globalisation, free trade and post-capitalist economies
Day one begins in the international context and looks at the impacts globalisation, capitalism and free trade agreements are having on Indigenous rights, the rights of nature, food, farming and our sacred traditional medicines. Indigenous resistance movements and strategies are discussed and pathways to developing alternative post-capitalist economies where food, farming and nature are free from capitalist patriarchy are explored.
Venue: Te Mahurehure Marae
Day two: Friday, 12 April 2024
International Indigenous Seed, Soil and Food Sovereignty Symposium
Day two brings the International context to the fore, we will hear about strategies and movements for seed, soil and food sovereignty from other parts of the world. What can we learn from indigenous communities to nurture our seeds, soil and Indigenous foodways?
Venue: Te Mahurehure Marae
Day three: Saturday, 13 April 2024
He Whenua Rongo: Hua Parakore and growing local seed, soil and food sovereign economies
The focus of day three is on the Hua Parakore – Māori organic systems. On day three the symposium moves to Papatūānuku Kōkiri marae, a Hua Parakore verfieid marae and māra kai in South Auckland. We will learn about the many kaupapa taking place on the marae and hear from those on the Hua Parakore verification journey, including tangata tiriti. Day three is all about the local-growing Hua Parakore as a movement of resistance to return food and farming to the hands of Indigenous and local communities.
Venue: Papatūanuku Kokiri Marae
A full programme is NOW AVAILABLE
VIEW PROGRAMMEKaikōrero | Speakers
Dr Vandana Shiva
Founder, Navdanya
Dr Jessica Hutchings
Director, Papawhakaritorito Charitable Trust, Te Waka Kai Ora & Ngā Toki Whakarururanga
Annette Sykes
Pūkenga, Ngā Toki Whakarururanga
Aroha Te Pareake Mead
Pūkenga, Ngā Toki Whakarururanga
Emeritus Professor Jane Kelsey
Pūkenga, Ngā Toki Whakarururanga
Maui Solomon
Pūkenga, Ngā Toki Whakarururanga
Donna Kerridge
Pūkenga, Ngā Toki Whakarururanga
India Logan-Riley
Kaihautū, Ngā Toki Whakarururanga
Teina Boasa Dean
Tiamana, Te Waka Kai Ora
Lea Zeise
Co-founder, Braiding the Sacred
Karen Mapusua
President, IFOAM-Organics International
Geneva Hildreth
Kaitiaki, Te Waka Kai Ora
Cathy Taite Jamieson
Kaitiaki, Te Waka Kai Ora
Pounamu Skelton
Kaitiaki, Te Waka Kai Ora
Dr. Melanie Mark-Shadbolt
Co-founder, Te Tira Whakamātaki
REGISTRATION
He Whenua Rongo symposium is not a source of profit. Our registration fees are subsidised to enable everyone from all walks of life to come and join us at the symposium. We are grateful to our sponsors for their support which in turn has meant we can offer accessible pricing. When you pay it forward by purchasing an additional ticket you are making it possible for someone who is passionate and committed to this kaupapa but has limited funds to be able join us in building this movement of change towards Indigenous food, seed, and soil sovereignty. We encourage you to register at the price you can afford.
Tickets are SOLD OUT
Pay it Forward
This is about supporting those who need support to get to He Whenua Rongo 2024. If you are an organisation or individual with means to 'pay it forward' please choose a pay it forward rate to help ensure that we can bring everyone with us in this movement of change.
Accommodation
All bookings to be made directly with hotel of your choice
Travel Lodge
110 Pakenham Street West, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland.
Ph: 0800 101 100 (7km drive to Te Mahurehure Marae)
Run of house rooms, 10-20% discount off best rate when you use the code: AUAHA2024
A 24-hour cancellation policy with 100% no penalty. Cancellations after the deadline incur a full charge of the total nights booked.
Make a Booking
Sudima Auckland City
63-67 Nelson Street, Auckland
Ph: 09 399 2360 (6km drive to Te Mahurehure Marae)
Run of house rooms, 20% off best rate when you use the code: WHENUA24
A 24-hour cancellation policy with 100% no penalty. Cancellations after the deadline incur a full charge of the total nights booked.
Make a Booking
Sponsorship Invitation
The Indigenous Seed, Soil, and Food Sovereignty Symposium, He Whenua Rongo, a groundbreaking event.
Your sponsorship will provide an opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions, share experiences, and learn from the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures and traditions.
FIND OUT MORE
Symposium Partner
Sponsored by
