Attitudes to consumption of edible insects by indigenous Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand: future commercial opportunities

Abstract

Entomophagy (eating insects) can be a sustainable and efficient source of protein, prevalent in many cultures worldwide. However, there is limited research on the perceptions of entomophagy in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly indigenous Māori perceptions. This work explores Māori perspectives on entomophagy, gaining understanding of the history of entomophagy in Māori culture, how entomophagy is currently perceived, and the potential of edible insect-derived products amongst Māori. An online survey was conducted via Qualtrics™ in 2021 recruiting via close contacts and social media platforms. Within the sample (n = 172), 42% of participants indicated insects play a significant role in Māori culture as food, and 10% as rongoā (traditional Māori medicine). Additionally, insects were described as part of cultural narratives. For insects as food, 47% of participants have eaten or know of their whānau (family) eating insects, with the huhu grub (larvae of a large wood-eating beetle) being the most consumed. We also found that 87% of participants were willing to consume insects in some form. Age had little effect on the likelihood of participants eating insects, except for those aged over 55 who were less likely to consume them. Participants with a flexitarian diet were significantly more willing to consume insects than those with a meat-eating or pescatarian diet. Conversely, participants with a vegetarian diet were more likely to say they would not eat insects. Participants were significantly more likely to consume insects if they were native to Aotearoa New Zealand or fed rongoā rākau (medicinal plants) and farmed sustainably, or if they knew that the type of insect was once eaten by Māori. Our findings show that indigenous Māori already recognise insects as being culturally significant and are relatively open to consuming insects. This presents an opportunity for Māori-led businesses or collaborations with Māori to revitalise insects as a food source.