This research acknowledges and explores the historical and ongoing impacts of colonisation and capitalism on Māori kai systems and subsequent disparities in the experience of food security in Aotearoa New Zealand. This leads to a critical analysis of the current food security definition and assessment framework utilised throughout Aotearoa. Embedded in colonial and capitalist ideologies, it currently actively excludes Indigenous and alternative food economies, and overly relies on financial access to food through proxy measures of income. Additionally, it fails to be relevant to or representative of Māori food systems, values, traditions and knowledge, subsequently failing to create effective, equitable solutions to food system disparities. A need for alternative, more context- and culturally- specific research on food security has been identified, particularly one that accurately reflects Māori kai experiences and realities.
Through Kaupapa Māori methodologies and interviews with 19 kai experts from all around Aotearoa, this research developed a definition and assessment framework of 'kai security.' Kai security encapsulates Māori understandings and aspirations of food systems, informed by research participants and Indigenous and Māori literature. Findings underscore the need for decolonisation and reindigenisation in food security discourse and practice. Recommendations include integrating te ao Māori into food security definitions, assessment frameworks, strategies and policies.