Kiwis are being encouraged to rethink their food habits this May as New Zealand launches its first-ever Food Appreciation Month to fight food waste.

Food waste is costing the average New Zealand household more than $1,300 a year, but a new nationwide initiative launching this May is aiming to change that.

Every Bite, a programme backed by the Ministry for the Environment, has announced the country’s inaugural Food Appreciation Month, designed to inspire Kiwis to waste less, save money and reconnect with their kai.

Throughout May, Every Bite’s Community Hubs—both in-person and online—will run a four-week programme that brings people together to share practical skills, food-saving tips, and celebrate success in reducing waste.

Project manager Rachel Glasier said this is an opportunity for New Zealanders to reflect on their relationship with food and how small changes can have a big impact.

“It is going to be a very special month; an opportunity for us all to pause and consider how we store, prepare and eat our food,” Rachel Glasier said.

“Most of us lead busy lives and don’t always think about the resources behind our food—from water and energy to the people who grow and transport it. When we waste food, we’re also wasting all of those resources and contributing to climate change and biodiversity loss,” Rachel Glasier said.

The initiative features weekly challenges, ideas from Love Food Hate Waste NZ, and advice from chefs, educators, and sustainability experts across the country. Participants can also connect with others who want to be more resourceful in the kitchen.

“There are a wealth of tips and tricks out there, and we’re thrilled to bring them together for New Zealand’s first Food Appreciation Month,” Rachel Glasier said.

One of the highlights is a facilitated online programme led by sustainability coach Nicola Turner, which allows participants from anywhere in Aotearoa to get involved.

Every Bite is one of the Ministry for the Environment’s National Food Waste Reduction Programmes. It is delivered by Zero Waste Aotearoa in collaboration with Environment Hubs Aotearoa.

“There are so many reasons to get involved, from saving money to helping the planet,” Rachel Glasier said.

Participants can sign up for free and take part in weekly challenges designed to build practical habits for long-term change at everybite.nz.