Dr Meika Foster Food & Fibre

Dr Meika Foster (Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Mutunga) is a nutrition scientist with a background in law. Really interesting kōrero about Māori entrepreneurship with food and fibre.

Her particular research interests and specialties include: the development of high-value plant-based food and ingredient solutions that are beneficial for health and contribute to the revitalisation of natural ecosystems; the role of micronutrients, trace metals, and phytochemicals in health and disease; domestic and in-market regulatory requirements for the development of functional ingredients and high-value food and beverage solutions for export; and cultural and intellectual property law and the protection of mātauranga Māori.

Meika is co-Principal Investigator on a New Zealand Singapore Future Foods Catalyst consumer science programme and on a High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge community dietary intervention programme; and contributes in various capacities to a number of universities and research institutes. Among her industry roles, Meika is contracted to support the work programme of AuOra Limited, the health and wellness unit of Wakatū Incorporation.