Dr Jessica Hutchings
Director / Kaupapa Māori Researcher / Author / Yoga Teacher
Jessica Hutchings
I am a kaupapa Māori research leader trained in the fields of environmental and Indigenous studies. I am also a Hua Parakore (Māori organic) farmer on a small family farm and a devotee and teacher of Ashtanga Yoga. I have a deep investment and passion to live my life in ways that uplift the wellbeing of people and the land. This website brings together all these aspects – nau mai haere mai.
Hua Parakore TV Series - Rebuilding our Broken Food System
In this series Dr Jessica Hutchings visits Hua Parakore whānau to learn about how and why our current industrialised food system is broken, and the role Māori Food and Soil Sovereignty has in creating meaningful solutions to the climate crisis, food insecurity and ecological breakdown.
The series also explores the ways that growing food and restoring soil is an act of tino rangatiratanga and the revitalisation of Māori ancestral knowledge in practical ways.
From remote, rural māra kai to urban marae to commercially successful farms, each episode is a deep dive into place and the personal stories of whānau who are living and practising Māori Food and Soil Sovereignty in unique ways.
These are stories of regeneration, of engaging and inspiring rangatahi and the wider community through growing, farming, gathering, composting, cooking and eating kai. Interwoven with the social and political context of the Food Sovereignty movement, the character-driven narratives will allow viewers to connect with the ancient vibrations of this land and the food-growing and earth-caring practices of our tūpuna.
Release Date: Monday, 4th November
Online: All episodes available at once exclusively on Māori+
TV: Weekly episodes every Monday at 7:30 PM
Made with support from NZ On Air and Te Māngai Pāho
Te Waka Kai Ora are the kaitiaki of Hua Parakore
This series is produced by Storybox Ltd
Thanks to Papawhakaritorito Trust
Thanks to the Asia New Zealand Foundation
Rematriating our homes and food systems - The Good Energy Podcast
Science communicator Loo Connor interviews Dr Jessica Hutchings about rematriating homes and food systems and the practical steps she’s taken on Papawhakaritorito Farm to achieve this.
Jessica draws on recent rangahau mahi in Māori housing to discuss how a systems change is needed to ensure kāinga can be developed in ways that support Māori to live intergenerationally.
Congratulations to
Dr. Jessica Hutchings
for being recognised as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most influential and inspiring women in food and drink!
This is a well-deserved honour for a scholar and educator who has dedicated her career to promoting indigenous knowledge, research, education, and development related to Māori food sovereignty. This recognition is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for promoting cultural diversity and sustainability.
Books and Offerings
Kia mau ki tō Māoritanga. Recent books and offerings include Māori food sovereignty, decolonisation and te reo Māori.
Kaupapa Māori Research
Kia u ki te kaupapa. Current research includes a kaupapa Māori food stories project, Māori soil health and Māori housing.
Yogahā
Kia piki te hinengaro, the wairua me te tinana. Offering ashtanga and restorative community yoga and wellness retreats.
Papawhakaritorito Charitable Trust
Papawhakaritorito Charitable Trust was set up in 2021 with a founding purpose to undertake kaupapa Māori research, education and development in relation to Māori food sovereignty, Hua Parakore and tino rangatiranga activities.