Dr Meika Foster

Dr Meika Foster is Pou Rangahau Huataki – Taketake a Tāne (Research Lead – Indigenous Organisms) for AuOra, Wakatū Incorporation, and Founding Director of Edible Research Ltd. With qualifications spanning biochemistry, law, nutrition, dietetics and Māori studies, she weaves together science, law and mātauranga Māori to advance Indigenous organisms research, plant-based health solutions, regulatory science and Māori cultural and intellectual property protection.

Her work with kawakawa and other taonga species aligns with Kai Anamata mō Aotearoa (KAMA), supporting Māori-led future food systems grounded in place, whakapapa and care for the taiao. Meika plays a key advisory role in supporting the development of the Te Tauihu Regional Food Strategy.

At the conference, Meika chairs the Pūtea stream and co-launches the draft Te Tauihu Regional Food Strategy with Miriana Stephens on Wednesday afternoon.