June 10, 2021
Maara kai guidebook a path to independence
A book aimed at helping whanau grow their own food has been launched at Ngā Hau e Whā Trust in Taumarunui.
Ko Mahinga o tōku māra kai – Establishing Māra Kai by Massey University scientist Dr Nick Roskruge was published by Tahuri Whenua, the national Māori growers collective, with support from Te Puni Kokiri.
It’s billed as a resource kit for the establishment and management of mara kai for marae and communities.
Dr Roskruge says since COVID people have turned back to homegrown kai, but there were no gardening books from a Māori perspective.
His book includes advice for both beginners and experienced gardeners to establish contemporary Māra and includes a Māori calendar to guide the best times for planting and fishing.
He says marae kai offer marae the independence to supply their own hui and tangi and allow whānau to contribute without incurring huge costs.
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