Wairewa Māra Kai

Despite those 'red alerts' for Horomaka for May 29/30, a handful of whānau managed to get out to the marae from Ōtautahi before the weatherbomb hit.

On a mission to get the new Wairewa VegePod set up as part of a maara kai initiative the Pou Wairewatanga portfolio took out a Pod to set up, with herbs and citrus trees to plant. While it's a small start, it will make a world of difference harvesting herbs fresh from our own maara.

The VegePod has an automated sprinkler system too, so the plants will stay healthy, hydrated and protected from harsh weather during the quiet times on the marae.

VegePod progress July

The Pod is looking good and we were able to use some of the herbs at our latest wananga June 19/20. We have yet to plant the citris trees as there hasn't been good weather to do so yet. These small changes and additions to the marae are part of our wider aspirations to be able to grow our own kai that will sustain the marae and our people for generations to come.

We are currently exploring other funding to resource us scoping how this might look for Wairewa, and how nourishing, sustainable kai can enrich our hāpori of whānau not just out in Little River or in Christchurch, but also further afield for those of us who no longer live in the takiwā.