Tahuri Whenua - capturing traditional knowledge for contemporary opportunity

Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand.  They are of Polynesian origin sharing much in common with other Pacific Island communities.  Prior to colonisation in the early 1800s survival was reliant on a relatively limited suite of wild and cultivated horticultural crops supported by fishing and bird snaring.  Much of the traditional Maori knowledge relative to the horticultural crops has now been lost due to processes of assimilation and urbanisation.  In 2001 a national collective - Tahuri Whenua, meaning 'returning to the land' -  was established to halt the loss of knowledge and assist families and tribes to recapture both matauranga or traditional knowledge and tikanga or traditional practices so they can be carried on through future generations.  The process has involved traditional hui or gatherings where each group or tribe has been instrumental in gathering their experts to interact with other tribes or people for mutual benefit.  This knowledge is now being made available in various formats for future access and utility.