Restoring the Mauri of the Waiau Uwha River

14 September 2022

Acknowledging the impact of intense dairy farming over the last decade, John Faulkner a dairy farmer from North Canterbury set out 'to step up and do something' to realise his vision of restoring an 18km stretch of the Waiau Uwha River in this episode of On Farm Story.

From designing a contemporary nohoanga site plan to working with expert Sue McGaw to identify the right plants and Rongoā Māori, all with the ambition to look out over the river and know that the braided river has been enhanced, endangered bird species have a safe habitat and the farming communities are prospering.

Glossary of the te reo Māori kupu (words) used in this episode:

Mahinga Kai: Mahinga kai literally means 'to work the food' and relates to the traditional value of food resources and their ecosystems, as well as the practices involved in producing, procuring, and protecting these resources.

Mauri: Mauri is the life force or essence in all living things.

Ngāi Tahu: Ngāi Tahu is the principal Māori iwi (tribe) of the South Island.

Nohoanga: Nohoanga literally means "a place to sit", and traditionally refers to the seasonal occupation sites which were an integral part of the mobile lifestyle of Ngāi Tahu as they moved around the South Island in pursuit of food and other natural resources.

Rongoā Māori: Rongoā Māori is the traditional healing system of Māori. This healing system is based on herbal remedies, physical therapies, and spiritual healing.