“…Keeping the population safe was paramount and readily accessible fresh local food became a key symbol of safety. Discussion circulated about identity and aspirations for a fit society free from food insecurity (Aotearoa Circle, 2021; Brett, 2020; Clifford, 2020; Jacobs, 2020; Latham, 2021a). New Zealanders not able to travel internationally turned their focus inward and during the COVID-19-free period in 2021, people travelled the country and marvelled at its bounty, sampling food in its own place.…”