Lincoln University Digital Dissertation - Lincoln University Research ...

Despite the significant role horticulture has had in determining the self-
sufficiency of many Maori, much change has occurred subsequent to
colonisation by Pakeha. Colonisation has contributed to a drift away from the
traditional importance of self-sufficiency and provision, as described by
Grower 1:
“Probably to be blunt is to say that colonisation has changed Maori society
from the point of being subsistence to now being almost reliant on other
elements of society to feed themselves, and its also created a situation where
Maori wanting more and more of the other life, the extra goods you know, the
chocolates and the flash clothes and all of that sort of thing has moved them
away from horticulture being able to provide that…” (Grower 1)
Growers recognise the unique relationship that Maori have with taewa but
also the broader opportunities taewa production facilitates by providing that
opportunity for Maori to get back to their horticultural roots. Taewa are not a
difficult crop to grow, which makes them an ideal ‘first-step.’ Once people see
that they can grow taewa, the idea is that they will endeavour to pursue
cultivation in other horticulture. Therefore it is not just about the provisions of
taewa, but also facilitating a return to the whenua, potentially leading to
involvement with other crops and land-management practices.
“Horticulture is an element of life for a lot of people; you know to produce the
kai that they eat… [even if] they are not growing traditional crops but they are
still working the whenua.” (Grower 1)
“It [taewa] gives those people insight or know-how… to grow their own
garden, to make themselves self-sufficient. You know a lot of those people
have got plenty of ground but they are a bit to tired to put the garden in for
themselves. Maybe this [taewa] might be an initiative for them to grow their
own garden… and not only that, if they can grow their spuds [taewa] and grow
their kamokamo, well then they think well I can grow some pumpkin, carrots,
cabbage and that sort of stuff. Just a starting point; that was the thinking
50