We are proud to report that E Tipu: The Boma Agri Summit, held on 18-19 June in Manawatū was a huge success with rave reviews from attendees, panelists and partners alike. As a destination partner, CEDA played a key role in connecting Boma with local organisations, making its North Island debut an outstanding success.

E Tipu was opened by Rangitāne o Manawatū Kaumatua Wiremu Kingi Te Awe Awe, and Manu Kawana. They were supported by an exceptionally powerful performance by Te Piringa Kapa Haka, who will be representing Rangitāne o Manawatū at the Secondary Schools Nationals – a perfect inclusion of Te Ao Māori to begin E Tipu 2024.

Over two days, the summit was buzzing with inspiring kōrero from a range of thought leaders in the industry. Discussions on innovative food tech, sustainable practices, and relationship-building were the core of the event, leaving attendees energised for the future of food in Aotearoa and beyond.

Highlights included:

• Simon Millar - Pure Advantage: Discussed the Recloaking Papatūānuku project to restore two million hectares of indigenous forests. “This is a chance for New Zealand to globally pioneer the implementation of nature-based solutions at a national scale. At a degree of urgency that it deserves.”
  
  
• Mrinali Kumar - EatKinda, Olivia Ogilvie - Oppo Bio, and Emily McIsaac - Daisy Lab: Shared insights on navigating the food tech industry as young females, the importance of finding your niche, and the challenges of raising capital in an ecosystem that is dominated by Artificial Intelligence.
  
  
• Millie Palmer - Cashmere Highschool: Presented eye-opening statistics on microplastics, highlighting that we unknowingly consume around 5g of them every week. She has developed a wool filter for washing machines to capture microplastics and prevent them from polluting waterways.
  
  
• Robyn Dyne, Geoff Simmons, and Andrew Watters: Explored the complexities of land-use change, discussing practical implications, financial challenges, and innovative approaches for sustainable farming and environmental stewardship.

A special thanks to all speakers and attendees who made this summit possible. Your contributions and presence were invaluable.

"Over this two-day summit we witnessed vibrant connections and conversations across the agrifood ecosystem. This event stands as a testament to our collective vision for a more prosperous future, not only in Manawatū but throughout Aotearoa and the world. I look forward to seeing FoodHQ building on the success of E Tipu in 2025 in Manawatū,"
says Jerry Shearman, CEDA's Tumuaki - Chief Executive.