The devastating legacy of colonization is still making it nearly impossible for many Māori to access healthy food. But here's where it gets controversial: a groundbreaking study challenges the widely held belief that food insecurity among Māori is a matter of individual choice. Instead, it reveals a far more complex and systemic issue rooted in the ongoing impacts of colonization.
Led by Dr. Madeline Shelling (Ngāti Porou), a postdoctoral health researcher at the University of Auckland, the study dives deep into the experiences of Māori food experts. Through in-depth interviews, it uncovers how land dispossession, environmental degradation, oppressive laws, and the sidelining of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) have systematically dismantled traditional Māori food systems over generations.
Shelling's personal connection to this issue is powerful. During a visit to her whānau (family) in Te Araroa, she witnessed a community proud of their connection to the land, yet still classified as food insecure. This stark contrast fueled her research, which highlights a critical flaw in how we measure food security in Aotearoa.
And this is the part most people miss: our current assessments, based on questionnaires focused solely on financial access to food, completely overlook the rich tapestry of Māori values, traditions, and knowledge surrounding kai (food). In te ao Māori (the Māori world), and many Indigenous cultures, food is about more than just money; it's about community, sustainability, and cultural practices.
The consequences of this systemic failure are stark. In a wealthy nation like Aotearoa, food insecurity manifests as obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related diseases, often accompanied by stigmatizing judgments about individual choices. But what if the only readily available food options are unhealthy? Shelling poignantly asks. Imagine living in an area where fish and chips or fast food chains are the only accessible choices, or working multiple jobs without reliable transportation, leaving McDonald's as the only viable option.
This study boldly challenges the narrative of personal responsibility, arguing that blaming individuals for their food choices ignores the deep-rooted systemic barriers faced by those in lower socio-economic areas, particularly those impacted by colonization. Colonization, with its legacy of land loss, cultural erosion, and intergenerational trauma, has stripped away the very foundation for healthy food choices. The study identifies four key ways colonization continues to impact Māori food security: land dispossession, the erosion of rangatiratanga (self-determination), the marginalization of Māori knowledge, and devastating health consequences.
Shelling emphasizes, “It’s incredibly difficult to access healthy kai when you don’t have healthy whenua (land) to rely on.” Solving this crisis requires a two-pronged approach: top-down policy changes and bottom-up community initiatives. It's crucial to recognize that Māori are actively seeking solutions and are not resigned to relying on unhealthy food options.
Understanding the true extent of colonization's impact on food systems is not about playing the victim; it's about acknowledging historical injustices and working towards a future where everyone has equitable access to healthy, culturally appropriate food. This is a shared responsibility, requiring action from both tangata tiriti (treaty partners) and tangata whenua (Indigenous people). So, let's spark a conversation: How can we collectively dismantle the systemic barriers to food security and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has the right to healthy, sustainable kai?
