At the ‘E Kai Māori’ wānanga with Chef Joe McLeod at Ōrākei Marae, we explored the taste of manaakitanga and the whakapapa of kai. We gathered native rau, wove rourou from harakeke, and honoured local food systems. I shared kōrero on behalf of Para Kore about reconnecting to whenua through kai. Our tūpuna’s practices remind us to care for our environments. We ended with a hākari flavoured by te taiao. Ngā mihi Matua Joe.

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They say the pathway to leadership is through service, and that’s why there is no greater tanga than tea-towel-tanga. Reusable dishes build whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and responsibility. Convenience is stealing these moments from us, selling us single-use plates and cutlery. Doing the dishes is about circular systems, whakapapa, and doing right by Papatūānuku. So crack out the crockery, grab a tea towel, and save money while honouring our atua and each other.

During the festive season, we see a huge spike in consumption and consequently, para filling up our landfills. Gift experiences, be of service, share excess kai, feed the whānau and gift nothing at all. Slow down, do less, relax and enjoy the season. Rest is resistance after all!

“It’s about providing a safe space for an open and honest conversation about healthier and sustainable alternatives for the menstrual cycle.” This is the story of Arohanui West, a Para Kore kaiārahi delivering Ikura Wānanga online. The wānanga explores the impacts of colonisation on our relationship with ikura, celebrates traditional Māori practices, and inspires attendees to embrace reusable options—reconnecting with te taiao and transforming attitudes toward menstruation across generations.

Waste incineration to get rid of waste and generate energy does not align with tikanga Māori (principles), and is seen by Para Kore as a false solution to solving our waste crisis.