I was born in 1956, a year after Victor Lebow proclaimed the gospel of consumption. Our enormously productive economy demands that we make consumption our way of life, that we convert the buying and use of goods into rituals, that we seek our spiritual satisfaction, our ego satisfaction, in consumption.… We need things consumed, burned … Continue reading From consumers to citizens
In September 2025 the Food and Land Use Coalition published Re-WIRE Agri-Food Value Chains. The report presents a framework to map risks and opportunities across major commodity value chains (e.g. beef, soy, cocoa), showing how climate, regulatory, financial, and human rights pressures are reshaping agrifood systems, and offering pathways for more resilient, regenerative supply chains. … Continue reading Agri-Food value chains
Apparently we need a third supermarket chain to create more competition and reduce the price of food. While it might generate marginal savings, it is likely to have a net detrimental impact on the economy and people's health. In Australia, a 2024 Guardian article informs of a new report into supermarket power. The government-commissioned report … Continue reading A third supermarket chain? Yeah – nah
Announcing our 2025 conference back in May we signalled the theme would be climate and the economy. The current economy is failing to deliver the necessities for a good life. Among these necessities are good water, kai, energy, and community. We have a lot of ground to cover in two days, so we will probably focus … Continue reading 2025 Conference update
The industrial food system is causing climate chaos and biodiversity loss, but most of us still support it. Just witness the multitudes that frequent corporate fast food outlets, or the millions of dollars spent in supermarkets every day. Profit rather than nutrition drives the food system. Being a conscious consumer As I have gotten older … Continue reading Kai communities
Climate Action Tai Tokerau 