Kai Rotorua – Māra Kai / Kūmara Revival
Rotorua, New Zealand · Operator: Kai Rotorua (charitable food-growing collective; mentor Te Rangikaheke Kiripatea)
Overview
A Rotorua food-growing charity formed in 2017 that grows, harvests and stores kūmara—the key Māori heritage crop—in community gardens following the Māori lunar calendar, teaching cultivation knowledge and food culture (oral lore, karakia, waiata) to schools and the community and restoring Indigenous food sovereignty.
Citizen participation
Residents, schools and Māori groups join as volunteers to plant, harvest and store kūmara following the Māori lunar calendar (maramataka).
Operating model
A charity funded by grants (e.g. Tindall Foundation), donations, community partnerships and meal programs.
Impact
Sustains Māori heritage crops and their knowledge and food culture while improving local food security.
Crops
- kūmara (Māori sweet potato)
- traditional māra kai vegetables
Scale
Small vegetable farm and fruit orchard at Kaharoa; community gardens and school partnerships
Sources（2）
This entry is compiled from the public sources, official sites and research below.
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