Join us for the first in this brand-new series, bringing together diverse voices for a fast-moving, moderated conversation on the biggest issues shaping our land, food and future. Designed as an engaging online forum, this session will dive straight into discussion and debate — unpacking complex challenges and exploring what they mean for Aotearoa New Zealand right now.
Recent proposed food processing plant closures, alongside a growing call from EatNZ for a national food security strategy, have sparked urgent national conversations about the resilience of our food system and the security of domestic supply. This Frontline Forum will bring together voices from industry, research, and the student community to explore what food security really means for New Zealand — from farm and factory to supermarket shelf and student flat. Together, we will examine the risks, opportunities, and practical steps needed to ensure our food system remains resilient, accessible, and future-ready.
Thursday 18th June 2026
10.00am-11.30am
Teams Webinar
About Our Speakers
Angela Clifford, EatNZ
Angela Clifford has led Eat New Zealand for the last 10 years.
Eat New Zealand is a not for profit collective who sit across the food system, from farmers and fishers to community leaders and chefs. Their work includes establishing a NZ Grown Grains Mark alongside the Foundation for Arable Research, and the development of a Food For Good Procurement Programme. Their foundation partner for this programme is Compass NZ who deliver 150,000 meals per day in Aotearoa. Eat New Zealand is working with a collective calling for food system transformation called Vote for Kai. She recently published 16 things we could do right now to increase NZ’s food security.
They’ve also developed a cohort of over 100 next generation food leaders, called the Kaitaki. Their latest activation is ‘The Shortest Meal’ a celebration of NZ Grown Food on the shortest day, June 21st.
Angela is considered one of Aotearoa’s food system thought leaders and has been awarded accolades from Arable Food Champion by Federated Farmers in 2022 to Semi finalist New Zealander of the Year, Environmental Hero award in 2024. She is also the category head judge for the NZer of the Year, Environmental Hero Award. She works with her local community through Food Secure North Canterbury.
Alongside her husband and 3 children, she owns The Food Farm in North Canterbury, a Permaculture teaching farm and they recently released their first book, called ‘The Food Farm; a life growing and eating our own food’.
Dr. Nic Lees, Lincoln University
I work in Agribusiness Strategic Management, with a research focus on agri-food supply chain management and marketing. I investigate how to improve the competitive advantage of agri-food supply chains, for example capturing price premiums by delivering higher-value products and responding to consumer demands for consistently high-quality food products. My work contributes to theory as well as having relevance to the agrifood industry and informing government policy.
Zara Weissenstein, LUSA
Zara Weissenstein is the President of LUSA (Lincoln University Students' Association), where she advocates for student interests and works to enhance the overall student experience at Lincoln University. In her role, Zara represents the student body across university governance and decision-making forums, helping to ensure student voices are heard on issues ranging from wellbeing and engagement to academic success and campus life. She is passionate about fostering an inclusive, supportive, and vibrant community for all Lincoln students.
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