Ihumaatao Rākau Planting

Planting native trees during Matariki at Ihumaatao is a powerful act of renewal, resilience and kaitiakitanga. As the Maaori New Year signals a new growing season, planting reconnects the community with ancestral traditions and restores traditional food systems.

Ihumaatao’s fertile soils have long sustained ahi kaa, and this practice reaffirms their deep relationship with the whenua. It also symbolises tino rangatiratanga, strengthening Maaori land rights and cultural sovereignty. More than just growing kai, it nurtures the whenua and collective wellbeing, ensuring future generations inherit a thriving, culturally rich environment.

Session 1, Sunday 8th June, 10am-2pm

Session 2, Sunday 22nd June, 10am-2pm