He kai kei aku ringa – The food is in my hands. Foundation report – January 2026

Extract from the Executive summary

1.1 Introduction

This is the system analysis “Understanding Food Systems in South Auckland” conducted by a consortium comprising:

• Toi Tangata
• Clare Foundation
• Healthy Families South Auckland,
• J R Mckenzie Trust
• Moana Connect
• Health Coalition Aotearoa.
• The University of Auckland
• MAS Foundation

Initial funding for the research was provided by Clare Foundation, JR Mckenzie Trust, Healthy Families South Auckland, The University of Auckland School of Population Health Pacific Health, MAS Foundation and Health Coalition Aotearoa.

This document is intended to inform the project team, guide funding and action plans, and be available for interested others more widely. Using information obtained from interviews with members of the community, and other stakeholders, community workshops and the literature, we use a system analysis to map the underlying mechanisms that connect food systems and the causes and effects of food insecurity. This study focuses on connecting the various areas of knowledge into a shared understanding, to facilitate an integrated, community‑grounded approach.

By combining knowledge from various sources in a model, we create a shared picture of the actual and potential effects of the food system, along with potential intervention points. The resulting model provides visual insight into the interrelationships between the effects of the food system across the community, rather than treating each one in isolation. 

Where possible, these food system effects are illustrated using quotes from members of the Māngere community and publicly available data.

Community Engagement: Interviews and workshops with members of the Māngere community and staff in Auckland Council responsible for policy development related to food systems.

Literature Search: A search of the literature to explore the effects of the current food system on food security.

Data: Illustration of effects using quotes from community members and publicly available data.

System Maps: Developing system maps to visually capture and analyse the interrelationships between the themes and focus on actions within them.

Interventions: Identification and mapping of policy levers and community-level interventions.

1.2 Document Purpose

The prime purpose of this Foundation Report is to provide a repository of our understanding, that can be used to develop communications and actions in collaboration with the South Auckland community. It is a detailed document that brings together what we have learnt from the community through interviews and workshops and enhanced by the literature. The literature was used primarily to broaden and deepen our understand of issues and ideas raised by community members.

It is intended that the document is used by the project team rather than given wide distribution. It provides the database from which reports and other documents can be put together for different audiences. It also provides the database and tools for ongoing collaborative work with the community to develop community actions and policy recommendations. ...

January 2026

See also

Health Coalition Aotearoa

He kai kei aku ringa. There is food in my hands. Community report – February 2026