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What shapes our everyday food choices? And what can local governments actually do about it?

In this episode, we explore the food environment through a systems lens — from what’s on offer in the corner store to the broader policies and social norms that shape what people eat. Drawing on Tamika Wopereis’ work with municipalities in the Netherlands, we look at what it takes to understand and influence food environments at the local level.

We’ll unpack how tools like group model building and participatory photo walks help communities surface the hidden drivers of unhealthy (or unsustainable) food systems. And we ask: what does it really take to move from insights to action when no one actor controls the whole system?

Many of Tamika's papers are open access - check out some of these that we touch on in the episode:

• Systems Thinking for Local Food Environments (the group model building one)
• Food Cues in Outdoor Public Spaces (the PhotoVoice ones)
• Food Availability and Social Norms (the music festival one)

And these are some of the other resources that are mentioned in the episode:

• James Noble's paper on the Action Scales Model - also check out Episode 9 of the podcast for our conversation with James.
• Peter Hovmand's book on Community Based Systems Dynamics
• The Scriptapedia page with workshop processes for group model building.

For more about us and what we do check out our LinkedIn page.

Have some feedback, or a question you want us to answer? You can send us a text by following this link.

What does it take to change systems — not just tweak them? In this powerful episode, Angie Tangaere and Penny Hagen from the Auckland Co-Design Lab share what it means to lead transformative, indigenous-led systems change rooted in place, relationships, and real-world learning. From rethinking how government works with communities, to why personal healing matters in policy reform, this is a conversation that blends the deeply practical with the radically human. If you care about equity, complexity, or creating meaningful change that lasts — this one’s for you.

If you're interested in learning more, here's some links to references made in the episode:

• The Auckland Co-Design Lab (https://www.aucklandco-lab.nz) and The Southern Initiative (https://www.tsi.nz/)
• Human Learning Systems (https://www.humanlearning.systems/)
• Healing Systems for Change (https://ssir.org/articles/entry/healing-trauma-systems)

Throughout the episode you may hear references to terms or parts of Aotearoa New Zealand's history and culture. You're welcome to use the below links to learn a bit more about these to help you get the most out of the episode.

• Hear some terms that you're not familiar with? Start here:
  https://nzhistory.govt.nz/culture/maori-language-week/100-maori-words
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) is a foundational document for Aotearoa New Zealand (https://nzhistory.govt.nz/politics/treaty/the-treaty-in-brief)

For more about us and what we do check out our LinkedIn page.

Have some feedback, or a question you want us to answer? You can send us a text by following this link.

In today's episode, Matt and Tenille talk with Jacinta Perry from Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership (TQKP) about what it means to view partnerships as systems, focusing on child-centered frameworks for systemic change. Jacinta explains the role of TQKP as a systems intermediary, aimed at creating conditions for kids to thrive in Queensland by connecting stakeholders from various sectors. She delves into the organisation's initiatives, including the Country Collaborative and Thriving Kids in Disasters, emphasising the significance of relationships and partnerships. Jacinta shares some of her insights on how systems thinking applies in her work, the role of ecological system-based metaphors, and the importance of going slowly with haste.

Below are some links to things discussed in the episode:

• Thriving Kids in Disasters Action and Investment Plan
• Thriving Kids in Disasters Report
• TQKP Draft Phase 3 Strategy
• Country Collaborative Social Network Analysis Webinar
• Human Learning Systems

For more about us and what we do check out our LinkedIn page.