We want to give voice to as diverse a range of New Zealanders as possible.

Sharing kai and kōrero (food and conversation) is an opportunity to connect and find common ground.

As a proactive regulator we value building connections with the many strands that make up who we are as New Zealanders.

What are kai and kōrero events?

Kai and kōrero events are where guests can talk to EPA staff to find out more about our work, and to give us feedback. It is an informal way to tell people about our work, and an opportunity for us to capture what is of concern and interest to New Zealanders. Sharing kai and kōrero is about building relationships, potentially revealing opportunities for partnerships or collaborations.

Discussion topics may include:

• How the EPA works
• Our decision making processes
• Mātauranga Māori
• He Whetū Mārama
• How we regulate chemicals (hazardous substances) and new organisms
• The Emissions Trading Scheme Register
• Our work to regulate activity in the oceans around New Zealand (the Exclusive Economic Zone)
• Our powers under the Resource Management Act
• Compliance and enforcement
• Policy and consultations
• Our Science programme
• Safer Homes programme.

If you'd like to take part or find out more about our Kai and Kōrero events, complete our online registration form:

Register for Kai and Kōrero events

Past events

The programme is inspired by the success of two world café breakfasts held in the first half of 2019.

On International Women’s Day we held a breakfast for young people to learn about the diverse career paths of EPA staff.

A Matariki Breakfast for NGOs and iwi partners was held in June. This gave guests the opportunity to learn about what happens at the EPA and to offer feedback on what is important to them. This feedback was captured in images and text by The League of Live Illustrators, and now informs how we’re developing our community engagement programme.

Matariki breakfast hosted at the EPA