06 May Kai Time kaupapa earns Innovation Award at Toi Tangata Hui-ā-Tau 2016

The Toi Tangata Innovation Award is tailored to those who have pushed knowledge limits and inspired new ways of knowing. It embodies the idea that innovation is a key competency needed for a better future. This award includes new knowledge creation, the conversion of thought leadership and practical ideas for hauora programmes while looking at the development of exchange platforms that enhance service delivery outcomes.

The Innovation Award recognises that new knowledge belongs to those who push the boundaries and dedicate themselves to removing inefficiencies. Earlier this year at the Toi Tangata Hui-ā-Tau, this award was presented to Diana Neru in recognition of her innovative and visionary thinking in honour of her programme, Kai Time.

With the aim to increase the confidence levels of whānau to cook healthy and affordable kai, Diana and her team developed Kai Time, a whānau friendly series of wānanga delivered across Tāmaki Makaurau.

“There are many ararau (pathways) leading to mauri ora- a state of prosperity where whānau flourish. Kai Time is a 3 hour wānanga shared with whānau that contributes to the restoration of health, environmental and financial well-being,” she says.

Since its inception, the idea for Kai Time has been regarded as a community owned kaupapa and the team was inundated with offers of help and support. It was then brought to the community as a mobile event available to all groups of people within the Auckland rohe.

To date, over 200 whānau in Tāmaki Makarau have taken part in the Kai Time programme, a fantastic result in itself, but the reception of the Innovation Award was the cherry on top for Diana.

“Receiving the award has been a privilege and honour and inspired me to continue my mahi in communities.”

Diana enjoyed the Hui-a-Tau, saying “I loved every minute of it and found it to be a very spiritual journey for me.”

And Diana’s plans don’t stop there. “My 2016 goals are to bring Kai Time to West Auckland.  I will be collaborating with HealthWEST to bring it to Henderson and grow delivery from there.”

We look forward to following your journey, Diana. Ka rawe!

Nā Toni Pivac