Dietitians NZ Conference 2023

If you have a deep passion for food, people, health, and wellbeing (and we mean truly passionate), then you would have found yourself among like-minded individuals at the Dietitians New Zealand annual conference. This event is proudly sponsored by vegetables.co.nz every year, not only to show support for the valuable work they do in enhancing the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders, but also to foster connections with a diverse group of professionals. These professionals understand food consumption patterns in New Zealand and range from individuals to people in the community, tertiary education, research perspectives, food industry, food service, and government policy areas. 

Topics during the two-day conference spanned a wide spectrum, but a recurring theme resonated throughout - the rising food prices and the overall increased cost of living. While there is no immediate or straightforward solution to these challenges, many speakers presented various ideas and solutions, each specific to their area of expertise. These ranged from initiatives like restoring gardens lost during the cyclone to proposals for tax cuts, tax incentives, community-oriented food sourcing, and expanding programs such as Ka Ora, Ka Ako - the Healthy School Lunches program, alongside teaching essential cooking skills.

At the vegetables.co.nz booth, we were delighted to meet individuals who shared our passion for the significance of learning how to cook and prepare food knowledgeably. This skill not only aids in budget management but also elevates the overall quality of the meals we consume. It's a lifelong, valuable skill.