Indigenous verification system supports OANZ market report

Indigenous verification system supports OANZ market report

Te Waka Kai Ora (National Māori Organics Authority Aotearoa)

The Organic Market Report 2012, due to be launched in Parliament this Wednesday, March 6, includes a contribution from Te Waka Kai Ora, the national Māori organics authority, which reports on the strong desire from Māori communities for food grown according to key Māori principles.

The national co ordinator of Te Waka Kai Ora (TWKO) , Moko Morris, says,
“As well as meeting Maori and non-Maori consumer demand for organic and ethical products, Māori communities are taking control of their food systems to ensure that the whakapapa of their food is clear and transparent, and that it is grown in ways which support our creation stories.”

The market report highlights the recent growth of organics generally, but more importantly signals the opportunities available for sustainable growth in the medium to long term. “There are exciting times ahead” says Moko, “not just for our people, but for our whenua as well. Using production practices in line with our traditional tikanga, we are restoring our relationship with Papatuanuku (Mother Earth), which has been damaged by production techniques which pollute and degrade soils and water.”

“Global interest – particularly from our Pacific Island relations - places us in an ideal position to advance organic methods in ways which celebrate our indigenous characteristics”. says Moko Morris.
ENDS

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