August 05, 2014
Mara kai place to learn tikanga
A Massey University resource and environmental planning student wants to tackle planning problems around marae gardens.
Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples introduced a fund for mara kai several years ago, but Hayley Miller of Ngati Awa, Ngai Te Rangi and Ngati Tane says some projects have run into problems with councils.
She says Maori community gardens are part of New Zealand’s cultural heritage.
They can also be a resource that will enable Maori to continue spiritual and cultural practices through growing traditional crops, and a place where elders can pass on their knowledge of te reo and tikanga.
Ms Miller has set up successful community gardens at marae in the Rangitikei area, with mara kai, fruit trees and herb gardens.
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