Farmers learn about protecting Maori food sources

Environment Canterbury has appointed a cultural land management advisor to help farmers on land near Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere understand and comply with new rules designed to protect mahinga kai – traditional Ngāi Tahu food resources and their ecosystems. 

Protection of mahinga kai is enshrined in the Canterbury Water Management Strategy, under which Canterbury is divided into 10 catchment zones, each with its own challenges. Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere is in the Selwyn Waihora zone.

Mananui Ramsden talks to Tony Benny about the importance to integrate our cultural values to the daily life as a farmer in Canterbury and how to protect the land where mahinga kai comes from.

Read the full story here.