She sighed and splashed over to him. He pointed to a cluster of dark green, shiny leaves growing at the water’s edge. “That ‘weed’ is kākāhi . Your great-grandmother used to weave rain capes from it. And see those tiny, spiraling holes in the mud?”
: Native birds, plants, fish, and other animals that sustain life. Common examples include tuna (eel), kōura (freshwater crayfish), and īnanga (whitebait).
Her grandfather, Rangi, didn’t look up. His fingers moved with a rhythm older than the hills. “What do you see, Hina?” mahinga kai definition
Mahinga kai is a Māori concept that roughly translates to "food gathering" or "food production." However, its meaning extends far beyond the simple act of growing or harvesting food. Mahinga kai encompasses the complex relationships between people, the natural environment, and the spiritual realm. It involves the cultivation of food sources, such as crops, fish, and other seafood, in a way that respects and honors the land, sea, and ancestors.
For the first time, Hina looked closer. She saw the kōura (freshwater crayfish) scuttling under a rock. She saw the kākahi (freshwater mussels) buried in the gravel, filtering the water. She saw the toitoi (whitebait) flickering in a silver cloud near the far bank. She sighed and splashed over to him
The concept of mahinga kai offers a unique perspective on food production and sustainability. By embracing this concept, we can:
He pointed to the mountains. “The birds in those forests… the roots in the ground… the eels in this water… and us. We are all one system. To take a tuna from this river, you don’t just ‘catch dinner.’ You thank the river. You only take what you need. You never poison the water. You clear the weeds that choke the kākahi . You pass the knowledge to me, and I pass it to you.” Your great-grandmother used to weave rain capes from it
Historically, the abundance of mahinga kai served as a barometer for a hapū’s (sub-tribe) wealth and health. To have plentiful food sources was to have mana (prestige) and the ability to show manaakitanga (hospitality) to guests. When those sources were threatened or destroyed—by pollution or displacement—it was not just a loss of calories, but a loss of identity and autonomy.
Hina leaned closer. Little bubbles rose to the surface.
“Water. Rocks. A dead log. Some weeds.”