Aotearoa Growers’ Hui 2026 Bringing Growers & Communities Together in Rotorua

From 23–25 June 2026, growers, food resilience advocates, regenerative practitioners, and community champions from across Aotearoa will gather in Rotorua for the Aotearoa Growers’ Hui 2026 — a national event focused on strengthening local food systems, building resilient communities, and sharing practical growing knowledge.

Hosted by Kai Rotorua Inc., the hui creates a collaborative space for people passionate about food resilience, regenerative growing, and community wellbeing to connect, learn, and help shape a stronger food future for New Zealand.

Event details

Location: Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology — Mokoia Campus, Rotorua, New Zealand
Dates: 23–25 June 2026
Registration and information: Aotearoa Growers’ Hui 2026 on KaiResilience.food

A gathering focused on food resilience

The Aotearoa Growers’ Hui brings together a diverse mix of growers and community leaders from throughout the motu, including:

• market gardeners
• food forest growers
• orchardists
• urban growers
• seed savers
• regenerative agriculture practitioners
• educators and researchers
• marae and community food initiatives
• food sovereignty advocates
• local resilience networks

Over three days, attendees will have opportunities to:

• connect with growers from around New Zealand
• exchange practical growing knowledge
• explore regenerative growing systems
• discuss community-led food initiatives
• strengthen regional collaboration
• share ideas and future visions
• enjoy seasonal, locally grown kai together

Organisers are encouraging participants to contribute workshops, presentations, and discussion topics to help shape the hui collaboratively.

Strengthening local food systems

As conversations around food resilience and community wellbeing grow across Aotearoa, events like the Aotearoa Growers’ Hui help communities reconnect with:

• local food production
• practical growing knowledge
• resilient regional networks
• regenerative land stewardship
• collaborative solutions for the future

The kaupapa centres on grassroots collaboration — empowering communities through shared learning, sustainable horticulture, and stronger local connections.

Kai Rotorua Inc. describes its mission as supporting a sustainable and interconnected future through innovative horticultural practices, environmental stewardship, and collaboration throughout Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty.

Key areas of focus

Topics currently planned for the hui include:

• strengthening local food systems
• regenerative and sustainable growing practices
• regional grower collaboration
• community resilience and food security
• business and community growing models
• food sovereignty
• knowledge sharing across Aotearoa

Additional themes and ideas can be suggested by participants during registration.

Why events like this matter

Across New Zealand, more communities are recognising the importance of:

• resilient local food systems
• edible biodiversity
• regional cooperation
• accessible growing education
• regenerative agriculture
• community-led resilience initiatives

The Aotearoa Growers’ Hui strengthens these networks and builds relationships between growers, educators, organisations, and communities working toward a thriving, resilient future.

Whether you are deeply experienced in regenerative growing or just beginning your journey into local food resilience, the hui aims to create a welcoming, collaborative environment for learning and connection.

Learn more and register

Register for Aotearoa Growers’ Hui 2026

Kai resilience at Vector Group · Troppo food forest