The Mahinga Kai Exemplar is a joint project of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Ngāi Tūāhuriri, the Avon Ōtākaro Network and the Waterways Centre for Freshwater Research.
See http://www.avonotakaronetwork.co.nz/projects/mahinga-kai.html for a more detailed site map and other info.
The project aims to restore and re-develop mahinga kai resources in greater Christchurch. The approach being taken is to develop an exemplar project at Anzac Drive Reserve that demonstrates how a mahinga kai project can be developed and the outcomes that can be expected. Important components of the project include improving recognition for cultural and heritage values, and restoring and enhancing natural ecosystems and habitat, biodiversity, inanga spawning, ecological connections, stormwater treatment, flood control, food production and active and passive recreation.
The MKE project is run jointly by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Ngāi Tūāhuriri, and Avon Ōtākaro Network, and supported by a range of other organisations including the Waterways Centre for Freshwater Research at Canterbruy University.
About Mahinga Kai
Mahinga kai is the concept that exemplifies the complex, interconnected cultural beliefs and practices of Ngāi Tahu in relation to the environment, describing not only the species gathered but the places and practices involved in doing so. It includes the direct and indirect use of resources for ceremonial, medicinal and sustenance purposes.
Mahinga kai, meaning to mahi ngā kai (work the food), is a management concept, a way of thinking that involves and understands the simultaneous protection and use of resources. Ngāi Tahu approach this from an integrated management model known as Ki Uta Ki Tai (from the mountains to the sea).
Ngāi Tahu supports the metaphor of a plaited rope with the weaving of exotic and indigenous species, and of Pākehā and Ngāi Tahu traditions.
Ngāi Tahu interprets mahinga kai in its broadest sense to include food for body, mind and spirit. Education, learning (‘food for thought’) and spiritual sustenance are thus as much a part of mahinga kai as the physical food.
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Mahinga Kai Exemplar Birds
