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Case study

Reclaiming kūmara production in Koukourārata

01 Dec 2020

The pride and identity of the mana whenua (the indigenous people with longstanding connections) of Koukourārata, who have long standing ahi kā (occupation) to the area of Banks Peninsula of Canterbury, is intrinsically linked to the importance of kai (food). Being able to show manaakitanga (hospitality) through local kai harvest, seafood and vegetables is of significance to many iwi (tribes) and hapū (clans), and the mana whenua of Koukourārata are no different.

Reclaiming kūmara production in Koukourārata

Koukourārata has a unique microclimate, with little frost and a long growing season, making it ideal for vegetable production. In early colonial days, Koukourārata and Puāri pā were centres for thriving commercial vegetable businesses, supplying vegetables to markets in Christchurch, Sydney and San Francisco. Production ended as the Christchurch area became increasingly urbanised, offering more localised employment opportunities and resulting in loss of land through the Canterbury land purchases of the 1850s.

Since a community garden was established in the Koukourārata pā in 2011, the Koukourārata Development Company has worked to rebuild the area into a local food-based commercial enterprise focused on heritage and taonga species such as kūmara, kamo kamo and taewa. Once established, it is anticipated that the māra kai (food garden) project will generate revenue and employment for the communities and families of Koukourārata. 

Plant & Food Research scientists have been working with the project to combine traditional mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) with Western science to develop and evaluate new organic production systems for kūmara. Kūmara beds have been established both outside and in tunnel houses, and the kūmara produced have been sufficient to feed people on the marae and to further research. It is anticipated that marketing of produce will commence in the 2020 season.

The project has also built a model for restoring traditional kūmara production in the Canterbury region, and is hoped to be replicated at four neighbouring Ngāi Tahu communities, such as Ōnuku, Rāpaki, Taumutu and Wairewa. 




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