Mäori Organics
One of the current catchwords in the primary industry is "organics". We have all heard the statements over recent years about the what, why, how and when of organics. The following article by Nick Roskruge discusses how Mäori proponents of "organic" philosophies fit into this industry sector and the need for Mäori to be represented at a national level.
Mäori farmers and producers vary widely in their management systems, just as do non-Mäori. If they base their system on tikanga Mäori, or the inherent practices and processes handed down through their ancestors, then they are essentially basing their system on their indigenous knowledge which could arguably be represented as an original form of organic production. This Mäori philosophy is based on a holistic approach to all the resources related to the system and an outcome which benefits the people, not just physically, but spiritually, mentally, communally and of course, economically. The Mäori stance therefore is that they are a culturally identifiable group who practise organics, primarily in an indigenous form which has yet to be defined by the existing organic sector.
What then of the position of Mäori within the organic sector in New Zealand? In February 2001 a national hui was held at Ratana Pa near Wanganui to facilitate the formation of a national Mäori entity within the organic sector. This was in response to an increased awareness by Mäori involved in organics that the Mäori philosophy and stance on "organics" had no single representative voice within any existing forum. The hui brought together around 200 interested people from around the country; some were already organic producers, others wanting to change to an organic system, and others were interested parties _ academics, consultants, government representatives etc.
The outcome of this hui was a seven-member working party charged with the task(s) of establishing an umbrella organisation to represent Mäori within the organic sector and with government departments. A timeframe of 12 months was put on this process so the group could report back to a follow-up hui in 2002. Later in 2001 after many meetings and the development of a constitution, financial plans and strategy, this body was given the name of Te Waka Kai Ora _ literally "the carrier of healthy foods". Mäori now had an opportunity to participate in a Mäori forum on issues related to the organic sector while still retaining the options of belonging to other representative groups such as Bio-Gro and Demeter, also within the organic sector.
Following the February hui, the working party
was involved in setting up regional hui around the country
to present the kaupapa (purpose) of the new organisation
and gain feedback from a grass-roots level on what was
expected of it. Over the next 10 months hui were held at
Christchurch, Wairoa, Otaki, Owae (Waitara), Whaingaroa
(Raglan), Whakatane and Waitangi (Bay of Islands). Key outcomes
of all these hui were the networks created and valuable
feedback which was collated and taken to the second national
hui held at Rangahaua in Wanganui in January 2002.
Following the second hui, Te Waka Kai Ora has been accepted
by Mäori as a formal entity and has an elected committee
in
place to further the interests of Mäori in organics. The
group is continuing the process of regional hui on a monthly
basis and grappling with industry issues and discussions as
they surface.
In the short time since the first national hui, the Mäori presence at a national level relating to organics has been strong and well received by the industry and supporters alike. Over the last 18 months Mäori organics representatives have participated with MAF in the formation of a discussion paper on the organics industry; participated in national forums concerning GM issues and policy; joined the working group on National Standards for organics; made submissions to several government projects (including the Oceans Policy, Climate Change and education programmes); and built relationships with existing organic entities.
There is still much to be done from a Mäori perspective to achieve their vision of being one of the key representative bodies within the organic sector. Tasks such as the writing of "Mäori organic standards" which incorporate traditional processes and practices and the development of networks both nationally and internationally to facilitate supply and demand for products are part of what lies ahead. The passion held by many Mäori towards a future which is organic and meets the collective needs of the people is strong. This passion has created the momentum which in turn has emerged through entities such as Te Waka Kai Ora and will continue to build in visibility and strength to participate in the wider organic industry.
Nick Roskruge
Massey University
Nick Roskruge is a researcher and lecturer in Mäori resource development and horticulture with the College of Sciences at Massey University. Nick is of Atiawa and Ngati Tama iwi (Taranaki) and his background is in horticultural technology and cropping systems. He is also the Kai-Arahi Mäori to the college (Mäori adviser) and is involved in a wide range of projects involving Mäori groups around the country. During 2001 Nick was one of the inaugural members of the Te Waka Kai Ora working party.
Contact: N.Roskruge@massey.ac.nz or 06 350 5799 ext 2611
Contact for Enquiries
Amber Duncalfe
Editor - RM Update
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Tel: +64 4 894 0710
Fax: +64 4 894 0745
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