Wai Atua Charitable Trust (CC62519)
Who are we?
Mission
To strengthen communities in Tai Tokerau through Mahinga kai, māra kai education, fostering self-reliance, sustainability, and cultural revitalization while promoting food sovereignty.
Kaitiaki Māra Kai: Backyard Gardens
Wai Atua Charitable Trust’s Kaitiaki Māra Kai: Backyard Garden is a flagship initiative empowering the community in Tai Tokerau to cultivate gardens that enhance food sovereignty, environmental stewardship, and cultural connection through community gardening.
In 2026 we were at Te Ara Māra Kai o Tai Tokerau event again, In Feb we had an open and run workshops. This event allowed us to showcase the transformative impact that mahinga kai can have through interactive workshops, practical demonstrations, and inspiring stories of resilience. See the following link for more information on location and timings, Northland Edible Garden Trail.
Over 2026 we have designed events to celebrate Mahinga kai, māra kai, and provide hands-on knowledge to enable whānau (families) to establish and maintain their own backyard gardens, contributing to local food sovereignty.
Key Events for 2026
1. Workshops and Demonstrations: Monthly workshops
Composting Systems: Learn how to create and maintain compost and composting systems using worm to enrich soil health.
Seedling Propagation: Hands-on sessions on growing strong seedlings from heirloom seeds.
Māramataka Māori: Workshops on aligning gardening practices with lunar cycles.
Companion Planting: Demonstrating how to grow plants together for natural pest control and optimal growth.
2. Cultural Connection: 16 May 2026, MATOA Papakainga Mahinga Kai. (Registration required)
Integration of Māori gardening practices and Hua Parakore principles such as whakapapa, wairua, mauri, māramatanga, mana, and Te Ao Tūroa.
Whānau-friendly activities to reconnect participants with the whenua and mātauranga Māori.
3. Skill Development Opportunities: At invitation of owner
Interactive sessions tailored to all ages, from beginners to experienced gardeners.
Resources provided for participants to start their own backyard gardens, including seedlings and instructional guides.
4. Community Building: 17 July 2026, 10am - 1230pm, (Registrations required)
Sharing knowledge and fostering relationships among participants to build a resilient network of māra kai practitioners in Tai Tokerau.
Open discussions on addressing resource shortages and leveraging local collaboration for sustainable food systems.
Objectives for 2026
Empowerment: Equip whānau with the skills and knowledge to establish self-sufficient backyard gardens.
Sustainability: Promote sustainable gardening practices that align with environmental regeneration and Hua Parakore principles.
Resilience: Build community resilience through food sovereignty and local food systems.
Cultural Revitalization: Reinforce traditional Māori gardening practices and values for intergenerational learning and connection.
Join Us!
Celebrate the power of māra kai and be part of the Kaitiaki Māra Kai movement. Together, let’s cultivate resilient, thriving communities through the art of gardening and the wisdom of our ancestors. Become a project volunteer or join our 38-week Kaitiaki Māra Kai course
The Values that guide our Projects
Ko te kai he rongoa, he rongoa te kai!
Food is medicine, our medicine is the food!
Soil Health
When designing your Māra Kai, it's essential to reflect on how your choices will impact the whenua (land) and how best to work with natural elements like sunlight, water, and space.
Creating Garden Beds
Understanding the microclimate in your backyard is essential for maximizing plant growth and ensuring the success of your māra kai
Creating Food Forests
"A food forest is a garden designed in layers, reflecting God’s creation, where plants grow together like a natural ecosystem to nourish people, restore the land, and express stewardship," Rewai Te Kahu.
Worm Composting Systems
"A worm composting system turns everyday food scraps into nutrient-rich soil by harnessing the natural digestion of worms.", Rewai Te Kahu
Contact us for more information about starting your own composting system.