Kai te Rongoā – Rongoā te Kai is an initiative that returns to ancient customs as a guiding mechanism, to inform practices that contributed to the sustained wellness experienced by our Tipuna. Therefore, this is a ‘wellness centered’ projection, where we focus on living well and staying well.
Murupara and its surrounding areas are soil rich and surrounded by flourishing forests and wai. Before the interruption of assimilated living, this rohe practiced lifestyles that deterred AOD harm, through the traditions of mahi kai, including maara kai. It is therefore ideal to revitalise the customary practices of gathering, producing and reproducing kai. Maramataka is encompassed by a holistic understanding of the wider taiao. It is how we navigate when and where to plant kai.
Murupara experiences high levels of unemployment, housing and health challenges. These are all leading contributing factors to AOD-related harm. Te Ika Whenua Hauora take a preventative method towards minimising AOD-related harm via kai security and staying well through kai sovereignty, which is pivotal in enabling self-determined whānau and community wellbeing, where people can be self-sufficient and allow access to options that nourishes their whānau and their community.
