A food strategy reflects the interconnectedness of everything and takes a food systems approach. What could our food strategy address here in Aotearoa?
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Angela Clifford
CEO, Eat New Zealand
Angela Clifford is on a mission to reconnect people with the natural world, the land, and the ocean through food. As the CEO of Eat New Zealand, Aotearoa's not-for-profit food movement, she leads a diverse coalition comprised of food businesses, farmers and fishers, community organisations, small and medium food producers, hospitality and tourism operators, chefs, and eaters.
Under her leadership, Eat New Zealand has spearheaded transformative initiatives such as a national hui on the Aotearoa food system, the Kaitaki program nurturing 135 next-generation food leaders, and Feast Matariki, a celebration of indigenous foodways and stories. Additionally, Angela collaborates closely with local, regional, and national government bodies on enhancing local food systems.
Angela's dedication and impact have garnered widespread recognition. She is a 2024 semi-finalist in the New Zealander of the Year Environmental Hero award and has been consistently honored as one of the Top 50 Most Influential and Inspiring Women in Food and Drink in NZ by Cuisine Magazine for the past two years.
Angela is a NZ Food Waste Champion, working to halve food waste by 2030 in Aotearoa. Her commitment to local food systems earned her the title of Aotearoa's Arable Food Champion in 2022 for her efforts towards building a local grain economy. Angela is actively involved in leadership groups focused on developing a values-based framework and national food strategy for Aotearoa, advocating for a strategically designed and equitable food system.
