Implementing Mahinga Kai as a Māori Freshwater Value - A comprehensive guide for connecting tangata with whenua through traditional food gathering practices
This comprehensive guide represents a collaborative effort between leading Māori consultants, environmental specialists, and government agencies, bringing together diverse expertise to support the implementation of mahinga kai values.
Ian Ruru & Simone Shivnan
Maumahara Consultancy Services Ltd
Wolfgang Kanz
Awamoana Ltd
Emily Afoa
Tektus Consultants Ltd
Environmental Team
Caleb Clarke, Stu Farrant, Mark Lowe, Daniel Nutsford (Morphum Environmental Ltd)
Final Review:
Emily Afoa and Caleb Clarke
Released by:
Ian Ruru and Wolfgang Kanz
The development of this guide was enriched by the invaluable contributions of experienced mahinga kai practitioners and consultants who shared their traditional knowledge and contemporary insights.
Barry Matuku, Hurimoana Haami, Marlene Benson, and Sam MacDonald brought decades of traditional mahinga kai practice and cultural knowledge to inform the guide's development.
Dr. Shaun Awatere and Dr. Kepa Morgan provided scholarly perspectives, bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary research methodologies and policy frameworks.
Anne-Maree McKay, Sam Tamarapa, Hera Gibson, Tu O'Brien, Mananui Ramsden, and Ray Farmer contributed grassroots perspectives and practical implementation experience.
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The successful implementation of mahinga kai values requires strong partnerships between Māori communities and regional councils. This collaborative approach ensures that traditional knowledge is properly integrated into contemporary freshwater management.
Dave Allen provided crucial insights into urban mahinga kai implementation, demonstrating how traditional practices can be maintained and revitalised in metropolitan environments.
Mananui Ramsden contributed expertise in South Island mahinga kai practices, highlighting regional variations and adaptation strategies for different environmental contexts.
Nicola Green, Kataraina O'Brien, Gina Mohi, and Anaru Vercoe brought extensive experience in Māori-Council partnerships and freshwater co-management approaches.
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Government leadership in supporting Māori freshwater values
The Ministry for Environment demonstrated strong leadership in coordinating this multi-stakeholder project, ensuring that mahinga kai implementation aligns with national freshwater policy objectives.
Alba Jelicich served as Project Manager, coordinating diverse stakeholders and ensuring project deliverables met both cultural and technical requirements.
Claire Graeme (MfE) and Christina Robb (Happen Consulting Ltd) ensured alignment with national freshwater management frameworks.
Lyn Harrison (Atahaia Consultancy Ltd) provided essential cultural oversight and guidance throughout the project development process.
The guide's development was supported by leading experts who ensured both technical rigour and cultural authenticity in the presentation of mahinga kai knowledge and implementation strategies.
Dr. Mahina-a-rangi Baker from Te Kōnae Ltd provided essential technical guidance, ensuring that the guide meets the highest standards of academic rigour whilst remaining culturally appropriate and accessible.
Her expertise bridged traditional knowledge systems with contemporary research methodologies, creating a robust framework for mahinga kai implementation.
Anakura Kingi-Taumaunu created beautiful illustrations that bring mahinga kai concepts to life, making complex cultural and environmental relationships accessible through visual narrative.
These illustrations serve as powerful tools for education and engagement, helping diverse audiences understand mahinga kai principles.
Cultural authenticity and technical excellence combine to create comprehensive guidance
This guide specifically addresses the implementation of mahinga kai within the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020, providing practical tools and frameworks for councils and communities.
The National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 recognises mahinga kai as a fundamental value that must be provided for in freshwater management decisions across New Zealand.
Councils and communities needed practical guidance on how to meaningfully incorporate mahinga kai values into their freshwater planning and management processes.
This comprehensive guide provides the tools, frameworks, and knowledge needed to successfully implement mahinga kai as a freshwater value in diverse contexts.
The guide serves as a living document that will continue to evolve as communities gain experience in mahinga kai implementation and share their learnings.
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The guide is conceptualised as a kete - a traditional Māori woven basket that holds and carries precious knowledge. This metaphor reflects the guide's role in carrying forward traditional mahinga kai wisdom whilst providing practical tools for contemporary application.
Traditional mahinga kai knowledge and practices form the foundation of all implementation approaches
Frameworks for incorporating mahinga kai into freshwater planning and management processes
Strategies for meaningful consultation and partnership with Māori communities and knowledge holders
Culturally appropriate approaches to assessing and monitoring mahinga kai health and availability
Practical approaches to restoring degraded mahinga kai sites and enhancing freshwater ecosystems
Educational resources and training programmes to build understanding and capability across sectors
The successful implementation of mahinga kai as a Māori freshwater value requires ongoing collaboration, commitment, and respect for traditional knowledge. This guide provides the foundation for that journey.
Building genuine partnerships between Māori communities, councils, and government agencies based on mutual respect and shared commitment to freshwater health.
Putting the guide's frameworks and tools into practice across diverse regional contexts, adapting approaches to local conditions and community needs.
Continuously learning from implementation experiences and refining approaches to ensure mahinga kai values are effectively protected and enhanced.
"Mahinga kai connects people with place, tangata with whenua. Through this guide, we provide the tools needed to honour and implement this fundamental relationship in contemporary freshwater management."
This comprehensive guide represents a significant step forward in recognising and implementing Māori values in freshwater management, ensuring that the ancient wisdom of mahinga kai continues to guide our relationship with New Zealand's precious freshwater resources.
Mahinga Kai: Connecting People with Place