Lincoln University Digital Dissertation - Lincoln University Research ...

Clearly whanaungatanga is another way in which traditional Maori values are
realised through taewa production, allowing for the expressions and acts of
kinship and togetherness. Whanaungatanga represents another important
traditional Maori value (as does manaakitanga) and is an important
application contributing towards appreciations of Maori well-being.
4.8 Food security
He kai kei aku ringaringa
I can grow food with my own hands
Providing and sustaining ones self by means of horticulture has always been
an integral part of Maori society. Taewa are a good example of such a crop,
playing an important role in the food security of many Maori. Growers
described the importance of self-sufficiency within an historic context and also
how it relates to their current taewa production systems:
“When you look back at my time as a young person most Maori had a big
marae and used to grow a lot of taewa themselves… Every year you had
enough taewa to last until the next year. We used to put all the taewa on top
of the fern and it used to keep them through the winter… when you wanted
taewa you used to take them out of the fern… you know they used to sort out
all their seed, and keep their seed for the coming season.” (Grower 2)
“You actually see something living, so there is a whole positive thing… you're
giving something a beginning and at the end of it is what you do with it. You
can eat it; you can do all sorts… that’s a steady source of food.” (Grower 5)
“Growing up we just grew them [taewa] for the sake of eating - much the
same varieties, no real changes.” (Grower 6)
“The old people they used to grow it [taewa] mainly for crops for eating…
every year.” (Grower 7)
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