Mahinga Kai Cultural Parks
A concept to refer to a natural area (either land or marine based) that is managed and/or owned by Ngāi Tahu (either at a Tribal level by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, or by Papatipu Rūnanga, or jointly) for the purposes of mahinga kai." - Ngāi Tahu 2025
Mahinga Kai Cultural Parks can provide a framework for protecting, enhancing and managing culturally significant sites in the contemporary world in line with our values.
Mahinga Kai Cultural Parks can be a way of guaranteeing access to mahinga kai as well as protecting, enhancing and managing mahinga kai for the benefit of this and future generations - mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei.
Mahinga Kai Cultural Parks can provide us with a way to continue the work begun by our tupuna to provide for the ongoing protection and use of our mahinga kai.
Mahinga Kai Cultural Parks build on the tools developed under our Settlement to further restore rangatiratanga and mana over mahinga kai species and sites.
Mahinga Kai Cultural Parks can assist in developing tools for the management of major land based mahinga kai that are otherwise currently out of reach.
Mahinga Kai Cultural Parks provide opportunities for Ngāi Tahu Whānui to advocate for the continued protection of our mahinga kai while balancing this with the principles of sustainable use and sustainable management, offering an important and sound alternative to current conservation (or preservation) practices.
Mahinga Kai Cultural Parks can help us address major environmental issues facing mahinga kai through hands-on management that encourages our people to reconnect with their landscape & potentially provide income & employment.
Tribal Policy
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, through Kaupapa Taiao and the Culturally Significant Sites Committee, are developing a Tribal Policy to guide the establishment of Mahinga Kai Cultural Parks within the Takiwā.
Mahinga Kai Cultural Parks are being developed to:
- Create a recognised 'status' and establish a framework for future management of an area or site.
- Fill the gaps in current management for mahinga kai.
- Create areas that are managed by Ngāi Tahu for Ngāi Tahu.
- Facilitate and encourage the gathering of kai and associated cultural practices.
- In 2004 a 'Strategy and Action Plan for Establishing Mahinga Kai Cultural Parks' was prepared by Kaupapa Taiao for review and comment by Papatipu Rūnanga and presented to Ngāi Tahu Development in May...
Work Plan (2004-2005)
- Develop a Tribal Policy for Mahinga Kai Cultural Parks
- Prepare a Mahinga Kai Cultural Park Development Plan
- Establish two Mahinga Kai Cultural Parks
Comments/feedback
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, through Kaupapa Taiao and the Culturally Significant Sites Committee, are developing a Tribal Policy to guide the establishment of Mahinga Kai Cultural Parks within the Takiwā.
How can Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu best assist Papatipu Rūnanga and whānau in their aspirations for mahinga kai and the natural environment?
- Do you support the development of Mahinga Kai Cultural Parks as an area management tool for Ngāi Tahu?
- What do you see as the key development issues for Mahinga Kai Cultural Parks?
- What area(s) would you like to see developed or established as a Mahinga Kai Cultural Park?
- What management actions do you think should take place in a Mahinga Kai Cultural Park?
If you have any comments on Mahinga Kai Cultural Parks and their development please contact:
David O'Connell
Ph - 03 371 2692
Email - david.oconnell@ngaitahu.iwi.nz