Te Puni Kōkiri’s Māra Kai gardening programme is helping to sow stronger communities in Te Taitokerau. Last year about 40 roopu in the region accessed Māra Kai funding to equip and establish garden beds at marae, kura, kohanga and backyards through the Whānau Social Assistance Programmes.

“Māra Kai is strengthening whānau development and helping communities to cultivate new skills, knowledge and opportunities,” says Te Puni Kōkiri Regional Director for Te Taitokerau, Walter Wells. “Seeds of positive change are being sown as participants become more self-sufficient, experience well-being, and practice whanaungatanga by working together to support whānau and hapü,” he says. “Māra Kai has helped transform communities by encouraging healthy educational cultural practices, under a mahi tahi kaupapa.”