Jessica Hutchings is a New Zealand researcher, author, and Ashtanga Yoga teacher. Hutchings' work is grounded in kaupapa MÃÂori research (research informed by tikanga MÃÂori) within the subject areas of environmental and Indigenous studies.
Hutchings completed a PhD in environmental studies and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in MÃÂori health research. She was the Director MÃÂori, Tumu Whakarae of the Building Better Homes Towns and Cities National Science Challenge from 2018âÂÂ2021 leading a MÃÂori research programme in the Challenge. Hutchings is also a member of the MBIE Science Board.
She cited the New Zealand COVID-19 lockdown as encouraging wider conversation and action around food sovereignty, saying "Since the Covid lockdown, itâÂÂs just been right at the forefront of everything⦠WeâÂÂre right on conversations around what food security is, weâÂÂre beginning to have conversations as whanau MÃÂori."
Along with Victoria University associate Jo Smith (KÃÂi Tahu, KÃÂti MÃÂmoe, Waitaha) Hutchings founded Papawhakaritorito Charitable Trust, which focuses on food sovereignty education and research, and includes food growing initiatives such as Feed The WhÃÂnau.
Jessica Hutchings participated in the development and research for Hua Parakore, the organic food production verification system used by Te Waka Kai Ora (The MÃÂori Organics Authority of Aotearoa, New Zealand).
From NgÃÂi Tahu, Gujarati, and NgÃÂti Huirapa descent, Hutchings' work primarily focuses on MÃÂori food sovereignty and decolonization.