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Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Tahuri Whenua AGM, Parewahawaha, September 8th


This years AGM was held at Parewahawaha marae, Bulls, on September 8th on a beautiful clear spring day. With no elections this year (committee members are now elected to two year terms), the agenda was dominated by the chairman's report from Nick and a presentation on a the latest food technology experiment with our taewa. This saw three varieties of taewa (tutaekuri, moemoe and karuparera; a 'standard' variety, nadine, was also used) extruded, or puffed, much like rice bubbles. The general consensus was, surprise, surprise, that they needed salt! Conversely, sugar could be added to make a breakfast cereal. At this stage the venture is in a very early stage, really just experimenting with the all-important added value opportunities. In the picture below are the samples.





A wonderful kai which included titi (muttonbirds, a delicacy for some although not this vegetarian...) was enjoyed by the roopu, and we all caught up with growing ventures, hui and politics. Interestingly, NIWA's aquaculture roadshow was mentioned by one kuia who thought it extraordinary, for all the wrong reasons...









A wonderful quiet moment occurred when Uncles Jim and Pita dug out a sample of local harakeke for Piki Winitana.


Wednesday, September 19, 2007

He aitua


It was with sadness we learned of the death of Graham Harris, a researcher who has contributed to our understanding of Maori horticulture and in particular the role of Maori potatoes. Graham was a research collaborator with the National Centre for Advanced Bioprotection Technologies at Lincoln. His last work - Te Paraiti: The 1905–1906 potato blight epidemic in New Zealand and its effects on Maori communities is a fascinating account of the potato blight that affected Ireland in the 1840s subsequently affected Maori in the early part of the 20th century. (The work can be downloaded as a PDF)

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Hue crop


Always a talking point, the hue or gourd plant gave a good showing this year although given the amount of space this sprawling South American import takes up, I may plant just one or two this season.

Tahuri Whenua's AGM will be held this Saturday at Parewahawaha marae, Bulls.
Simon Lambert

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