There is nothing more fundamental than being able to gather kai for the whānau but that basic right has been under increasing threat in recent years from the rush to exploit Canterbury’s fresh water resources, writes Howard Keane in our cover story for this issue of TE KARAKA.
Is the often ugly and public debate over water management about to change? The consensus reached through the Canterbury Water Management Strategy suggests a way forward. Ngāi Tahu representatives have spent many hours in meetings of the CWMS zone committees across Canterbury and we owe a big mihi to them for their commitment. In telling Ngāi Tahu stories, others around the table have gained a better appreciation of Ngāi Tahu, says Te Marino Lenihan who represents North Canterbury Ngāi Tahu on the CWMS regional committee.
“Our people have been the quiet corner of the community and it seems people either don’t know about us, don’t want to know about us, or are straight out ill-informed about who we are and where the heart and soul of our culture lies.” Nāku Noa Nā Mark Revington
This issue includes:
Karanga – A call from the heart
A spiritual call heard across many generations, it is the first voice heard from marae and epitomizes the power of Māori women. Te KAKAKA speaks with Ngāi Tahu kaikaranaga abour the ritual of the karanga, it evolution, and challenges.
One hundred white birds stalk through a field. Theme parks crop up out of nowhere. Mara TK documents a frenzied month in the USA as his band, Electric Wire Hustle, attempts to build an audience in the world’s biggest music market.
The London Olympics will be a special moment for the Uru family.
Plus our regular columns from Keri Hulme, Tom Bennion, Tremane Barr and Rob Tipa.
