Lay summary
The food system in Aotearoa/New Zealand is a major driver of poor health, particularly for Māori, and causes substantial environmental damage, including via climate and water pollution. Radical transformation is needed, bringing significant benefits for human and environmental health as well as advancing Indigenous rights. However, food-climate policy has until now failed to address these issues. There is increasing concern about power imbalances in slowing or blocking necessary te Tiriti-centred government action. This research applies an Indigenous climate justice lens to climate-food policymaking in New Zealand to understand the factors responsible for current patterns of policy failure and to inform solutions. We will examine how power and influence operate in policymaking processes and identify lessons from successful Indigenous action to shift policy power imbalances. Findings will be used to support action towards Indigenous climate justice and health equity through food system change.