A new interactive map launched today gives anyone working on food waste in New Zealand a dynamic and searchable view of the 60-plus organisations shaping the sector.
With support from The Tindall Foundation, Kai Commitment's updated interactive and dynamic NZ's Food Waste Reduction Ecosystem Map builds on an earlier version published in 2024. The map visualises over 60 organisations working within food waste in Aotearoa and how they fit together.
The tool is aimed at food businesses seeking reduction solutions, policymakers and researchers mapping the sector, and organisations looking for collaboration opportunities or trying to identify where the ecosystem still has gaps.
"Until now, there's been no single place to see who's doing what across the full food system," said Carmen Doran, Executive Director of Kai Commitment. "This map makes it possible to find the right partner or resource quickly, and because it's dynamic, it will grow as the ecosystem does."
The new and improved ecosystem map is an open-access digital resource using systems mapping platform Kumu.io that visualizes the full landscape of food waste reduction actors including both solutions providers that span the food system and organisations enabling systems change.
Key features of the interactive map include the capability to:
- Filter and search by supply chain stage, waste hierarchy level, kaupapa Māori or search for specific organisations.
- Zoom in an out to get the big picture view or dive deep into specific sections or organisations.
- Connect directly to organisations and read about them in detailed bios.
- Organisations new to the ecosystem can join the map using the sign-up form.
"Solving food waste requires coordinated effort across the entire food system, this map is a game changer because it provides a dynamic, centralised view of the organisations in the ecosystem, making it easier than ever to connect with the right partners and resources," says Doran.
"Importantly, this is a tool that will continue to evolve alongside our ecosystem, allowing us to update it as the landscape and its needs change over time."
Organisations not yet on the map can apply to be listed via a sign-up form embedded in the tool.
Check out the map HERE
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