Description

"Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust is a registered charity who's mission is to promote and enhance the active relationship of Ngāi Tahu people with the mahinga kai resource of the Waiau Catchment. Mahinga kai is traditional food and resource gathering but also encompasses how and where resources were gathered, access to mahinga kai sites, tikanga/customary practices and the sustainability of the resource, including looking after it for future generations. Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust is undertaking a comprehensive ecological and mahinga kai restoration project to restore the 445 ha property at Te Kōawa Tūroa o Takitimu. The aims of this project are: - to protect and enhance the ecological and mahinga kai values at this site; - to reconnect people back to the land by promoting the use and access to the site, particularly for the benefit of all Murihiku Rūnanga, and more broadly Ngāi Tahu; and - to promote the cultural significance of the site in the context of the Takitimu Range. This restoration will be done using a holistic approach encompassing ki uta ki tai philosophy – from the mountains to the sea. The restoration and protection of this valley will also provide a refuge for indigenous wildlife by providing habitat, a food source and protection from introduced pests. It will provide a wildlife corridor from the Takitimu Conservation Area through to Fiordland National Park and the Te Wāhipounamu Unesco World Heritage Area. The project includes site-wide pest control, weed control, stream restoration and riparian planting, wetland enhancement, and native replanting and incorporates mātauranga Māori. The restoration is being done with a mahinga kai focus. "

Historic involvement

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Nga Kete Pounamu Charitable Trust. Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka

Current involvement

Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust