Public Health Researcher Dr Andrea Teng Advocates for Māori Food Security and Systems Change

University of Otago public health researcher Dr Andrea Teng is calling for a shift in how Aotearoa New Zealand views nutrition, arguing that systemic changes are needed to support the wellbeing of Māori whānau and the wider community. Speaking on Radio Waatea on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, Dr Teng told host Dale Husband that the nation's food environment—rather than just individual choice—is driving a crisis of obesity and chronic disease. Dr Teng’s research highlights that for Māori, the relationship between food affordability and health is deeply connected to wider social conditions. The source reports that Māori experience disproportionately high rates of diet-related chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which reflect long-standing inequities in income, housing, and healthcare access. Dr Teng suggests that addressing these issues requires looking at how supermarket pricing, advertising, and the availability of fresh produce create barriers for households on tight budgets. The discussion emphasises that positive outcomes for Māori can be bolstered through kaupapa Māori health initiatives. Community-led efforts such as māra kai (gardens), local food production, and food programmes are identified as vital pathways to strengthening food security. Dr Teng suggests these culturally appropriate approaches are essential for ensuring that healthy food is not just a recommendation, but a practical and affordable reality for whānau. Ultimately, Dr Teng’s work advocates for policy interventions that protect the health of tamariki and mokopuna. By improving food environments in schools and communities and addressing the marketing of unhealthy products, the research aims to reduce the risk of preventable illness. This systemic focus seeks to move the burden away from individual responsibility and toward a collective environment that actively supports long-term health and Māori aspirations for wellbeing.