Announcing the Launch of KaiResilience.Food: A Digital Heart for Aotearoa’s Food System

Today marks a pivotal moment for Vector Group Charitable Trust and our mission to build resilient, creative, and empowered communities. We are proud to announce the official launch of our flagship project, www.kairesilience.food, a groundbreaking national and regional kai resilience website portal.

Our trust has always been guided by a core belief in fostering strong local connections and empowering people. This new portal is the culmination of years of work and collaboration, designed to be the ultimate tool for communities and whānau seeking to build a more secure and sustainable food future.

The www.kairesilience.food portal is a dynamic, multi-faceted platform that represents a comprehensive approach to food resilience. We’ve built it from the ground up to be a true digital ecosystem, unlike anything else available in New Zealand. It is a:

• Multi-Vendor Marketplace: A place for growers, producers, and artisans to sell their products directly to the public.
• Directory: A comprehensive listing of all things kai-related, from local farmers to community gardens and food service providers.
• Events Calendar: A central hub for workshops, farmers’ markets, crop swaps, and other food-related gatherings.
• Knowledge Hub: A blog and resource centre filled with expert advice, community stories, and tips for growing and preparing kai.
• Food Exchange Platform: A dedicated space for crop swaps and other forms of food sharing, fostering a culture of generosity and abundance.

“This is not just a technological solution; it’s a social one,” says Steve Fawcett, founder of Vector Group Charitable Trust. “We’ve seen that the biggest barrier for many people is simply knowing where to start or who to connect with. www.kairesilience.food breaks down those barriers. It’s about reconnecting people with the land and with each other. It’s about empowering communities to become their own food supermarkets, strengthening our local economies and ensuring every whānau has access to fresh, healthy kai.”

The development of this platform has been driven by our commitment to innovation and collaboration. We are confident that www.kairesilience.food will serve as a vital resource for communities across Aotearoa, helping to build a more resilient and equitable food system for generations to come. We invite all our partners, community members, and stakeholders to visit www.kairesilience.food, explore its features, and join us in this vital work.