Amid the excitement of the upcoming Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga, a heartwarming story of communal effort and timeless tradition unfolds in Taranaki. The region’s gardeners are preparing over a tonne-and-a-half of potatoes to ensure the festival’s visitors receive a taste of local hospitality, hearkening back to Parihaka’s history of feeding war refugees 150 years ago.
Feeding the Multitude from Parihaka’s Heart
As Te Matatini organizers prepare for 40,000 attendees over five days, Parihaka, nestled in Ngāmotu at Pukekura Park’s Bowl of Brooklands from February 25, readies itself. Overseeing the potato plot, Jasmine Koroheke explains, “We decided to grow potatoes because it’s part of our heritage – feeding the masses is something Parihaka excels at.”
Koroheke reflects on the journey: “This plot used to be the rugby field of Pungarehu School, closed in 2003. Thanks to Treaty settlement in 2015, the land returned to Taranaki iwi. Who could have predicted it would turn into a potato field?”
A Community Effort Garnering Inspiration
Joining Koroheke are Wiki Mānu and Tyler Raven, among others, each contributing their skills and passion to the cause. Mānu, like his ancestors, finds sustenance in the act of sharing resources. “Our tūpuna always helped each other, growing food and sharing kai,” he adds, emphasizing community solidarity.
Raven, studying kai-growing, echoed this sentiment: “Doing something for others is the best mahi. It’s emotionally rewarding, and you receive love in return from the land.” Libby Taylor, delving into food-growing and kai sovereignty, believes the Parihaka founders would be proud of their descendants’ efforts.
The Scale of the Harvest
The potato plot boasts 32 rows, producing an impressive 1.65 tonnes of the Agria variety. This bounty is set to nourish performers and festivalgoers hosted at more than 20 marae across Taranaki. Faced with staff shortages, these gardeners are stepping up to ensure the community’s readiness for the impending influx.
Tutor Urs Signer and others from Te Kāhui o Taranaki have imparted knowledge, fostering a new generation of caretakers for Taranaki’s land. The gardeners’ enthusiasm showcases the ongoing connection between present-day practices and ancestral traditions.
Historical Context and Modern Significance
Parihaka served as a sanctuary for those dispossessed by historical invasions in the 19th century, with the potato field symbolizing resilience and self-sufficiency. Now, it represents continuity in a rapidly changing world.
Koroheke emphasizes the significance of this act: “Feeding the masses is a little bit in Parihaka’s blood. Our tūpuna would approve of what we’re doing today.”
Looking to the Future
As winter draws to a close, the gardeners’ efforts will culminate in nourishing both visitors and the community. This shared endeavor reflects the enduring spirit of manaakitanga—hospitality and communal care—that defines Parihaka.
“It’s about being back home on our own whenua, doing what our tūpuna did,” Mānu said, encapsulating the essence of their efforts. As the festival approaches, these gardeners stand as a testament to the combined power of tradition and modern initiative.
Join us in celebrating the rich tapestry of Taranaki’s history and community spirit. Comment below with your thoughts, subscribe to Archynetys for more compelling stories, and share this inspiring journey on social media to keep the spirit alive!
