A community initiative in Onerahi called the Wai-a-Ariki Food Forest has received an award for returning to indigenous practices of land use.
The community were out in force today to celebrate the achievement.
Green Party MP, Marama Davidson says, “This is an example of how communities can play their role in caring for mother earth. It's a great honour for me to come with my family to support all the great work the community is doing.”
As part of the celebration, the people of Te Parawhau have donated over 45,000 eels which have been put into Te Wai-a-Ariki stream.
The Manawhenua Challenge was created to encourage Northlanders to return to indigenous practices that will help to improve the health of mother earth, the sky father and all the environment.
“I came straight here from Waitangi yesterday and this garden is an example of sovereignty in practice as discussed widely at Waitangi this week," says Marama.
The traditional practices and aspirations of our ancestors for future prosperity is being realised here.