An assessment of the value and feasibility of Mahinga Kai at UC (including assessment of potential urban contaminant effects on mahinga kai development)

Abstract

This project looked at the feasibility of producing food in a way that strengthens mana whenua as kaitiaki at the University of Canterbury (UC). It focussed on the potential for mahinga kai development in Wai-utuutu Stream, which is part of the Ōtākaro River and receives stormwaters and other wastes from the university campus environment. This project assessed the information required to determine cultural and scientific factors associated with waterway health. The methodology involved review of both Mātauranga Māori and scientific analysis literature that focussed on stormwater input, ecological indicators, and cultural health indicators, and the relationship between contaminants and various plant and animal species. The waterway’s history in Christchurch, Mana Whenua history of mahinga kai, cultural values associated with mahinga kai and waterways, as well as contamination issues associated with heavy metals were reviewed. The feasibility of traditional mahinga kai in the Wai-utuutu Stream is not supported by this study. However, there is an opportunity to assess the role of mahinga kai as biological engineers to effectively remove metals from the waterway and along riparian zones. This supports past research recommendations to remediate Wai-utuutu Stream and minimise the ecological effects of stormwater inflow. Land-based mahinga kai is instead recommended to fulfil the role of tikanga associated with marae and mahinga kai. This supports the UC Campus Master Plan to utilise existing space and enhance places of social and cultural hubs.