Tackling the future challenges of Organic Animal Husbandry - vTI

! Agriculture and Forestry Research, Special Issue No 362 (Braunschweig, 2012) ISSN 0376-0723
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novaeseelandiae), Pīwakawaka or fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa) and weka (Gallirallus australis). A
brief selection of species that are good providers of food and habitat for New Zealand native birds
are given in Table 2.
Table 2. Some examples of native plant species which will provide food and habitat to encourage
the establishment of native fauna on Te Putahi
Species Maori name Common name Ailment
Cordyline australis Tī kōuka Tī Kāuka, Tī whanake Cabbage tree Food source
Melicytus ramiflorus Māhoe, Hinahina, Inihina Whiteywood Habitat food source
Podocarpus totara Tōtara Totara Habitat
There are many benefits to each species chosen and a plant will contribute to the farm in multiple
ways. For example, snowberry is also excellent for wounds, a favourite food of weka and provides
good ground cover. Hebe is good for wounds and a tonic, matipo is a tonic and good for wounds
and both provide favoured habitat. The cabbage tree is iconic (Simpson, 2000) with many uses from
food and weaving to medicine. Totara previously clothed Banks Peninsula (Norton & Fuller, 1994)
and there are many old Totara fence posts to be found on Te Putahi. Māori had multiple uses for the
wood and bark of the Totara; the berries are good to eat and the tree has medicinal properties. Kawakawa
has an important role in Māori culture (Riley 1994), as well as being an excellent tonic - it
is antiparasitic, good for wounds and toothache (Porritt, 1967).
The parts of the farm that are robust can be retained in pasture and every effort made to promote
productivity on these areas. Other areas of the farm can be planted to different degrees. Densely
planted blocks, areas that have been retired for soil conservation, and riparian margins, can be
browsed over fences. Direct access can be given to herbaceous plantings and areas with an open
canopy. In times of stress such as drought or storm, blocks of trees and shrubs can provide lifesaving
feed and shelter.
Conclusion
Each farm is distinctive and its circumstances will be unique. As Te Rongoā encourages a holistic
view, the requirements of individual farms will differ. Species of plants selected for each farm
should suit the local climate and conditions, the soils and stock and the local ecology. In addition
the plantings on any farm should reflect and support the existing ecosystems and the values of the
local community. Te Rongoā has much in common with the principles of organic farming and as
such can make an excellent contribution to the support of animal health on organic farms.
Suggestions to tackle the future challenges of organic animal husbandry
Farmed animals rely on the land for their sustenance if the land is in good heart animals will be
healthy and productive. Stock contribute actively to the resilience of the land upon which they rely
and should not be removed from the equation. If we treat the land and our animals with respect we
shall all prosper.
References
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Zealand: Reed Books.
Cambie, R. C., & Ferguson, L. R. (2003). Potential functional foods in the traditional Maori diet. Mutation
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10.1016/s0027-5107(02)00344-5
Clayton, D. H., & Wolfe, N. D. (1993). The adaptive significance of self-medication. Trends in Ecology
& Evolution, 8(2), 60-63. doi: 10.1016/0169-5347(93)90160-q
Connor, H. (1977). The poisonous plants of New Zealand (2 ed.): New Zealand government printer.
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