Human Dimension

The vision of the Riddet Institute, Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) research programme is “Future Foods – Inspired by Nature”. This means learning from the structures inherent in natural foods and how foods are digested and assimilated, to enable the creation of high-value healthy foods with novel structures.

Embedded in our Future Foods in Harmony with Nature research plan are the three interlinked research themes – Theme 1, 2 and 3 – along with two overarching supporting elements.  The Human Dimension is one of the supporting elements embedded in our research.

Mātauranga Kai: a food-themed study of Māori well-being

Project leader Associate Professor Lisa Te Morenga

The Mātauranga Kai project comes under The Human Dimension principle of the CoRE research programme and focuses upon Māori aspirations in food and human health, combining both traditional and contemporary strands of knowledge. The research comprises multiple approaches. It aims to provide insights into how Māori aspirations can be advanced through new food-based ways of looking at the study of traditional and contemporary mātauranga (knowledge) relating to kai (food).  Historical traditions, holistic well-being concepts and culturally relevant nutritional advice for today are just some of the knowledge areas explored in this project. 

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