Cultivating a Resilient Future: Vector Group Launches Kai Resilience Portal

At Troppo, we’ve always been passionate about plants and the powerful role they play in building healthy, resilient communities. That’s why we’re so excited to announce a new initiative that aligns perfectly with our kaupapa: the launch of a new national and regional Kai Resilience website portal, www.kairesilience.food, spearheaded by our partners at Vector Group Charitable Trust.

This isn’t just another website; it’s a revolutionary, all-encompassing digital ecosystem designed to empower New Zealand communities and whānau to take control of their food future. The concept of kai resilience—the ability of a community to withstand shocks and stresses to its food supply—has never been more important. We’ve seen firsthand how fragile our global supply chains can be. The solution, we believe, lies in looking closer to home.

The www.kairesilience.food portal is a powerful tool to make that happen. It’s a multi-vendor marketplace, a comprehensive directory, and a community hub all rolled into one. Imagine a place where you can find local growers, connect with crop swaps, and discover food exchange opportunities. It’s about bringing the garden gate directly to your plate.

For us at Troppo, this initiative is a natural extension of our work in urban food forestry. We see the portal as the digital equivalent of a vibrant, interconnected food forest—a place where every element supports the whole. Vendors can sell their produce direct, cutting out the middleman. Community members can post events, share tips in the blog, and find local services. It’s a space where knowledge, resources, and kai can be shared and exchanged freely.

“We believe that true community resilience starts with the basics, and nothing is more fundamental than food,” says Steve Fawcett, founder of Vector Group Charitable Trust. “With www.kairesilience.food, we’re not just creating an online platform; we’re building a network of people dedicated to a more sustainable, self-sufficient Aotearoa. This is about giving New Zealanders the tools to grow, share, and eat well, directly from their own backyards and local communities.”

This initiative is a true game-changer, and we are proud to be part of the network. We invite all our fellow plant and kai enthusiasts to explore the new website and join us in cultivating a more resilient future. Visit www.kairesilience.food today and become a part of the movement.