Opening the door to our science & technology

Maori landowner Rau Paul was unsure how to progress plans to become an organic farmer before she tapped into Maori group Wahine Whanau Whenua (Women Family Land).

Wahine Whanau Whenua was launched three years ago to help Maori women and their whanau increase the sustainable viability of their land. Funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's Sustainable Farming Fund, it brings Maori women together through workshops, conferences and waananga (learning opportunities). Its project manager is AgResearch social systems researcher, Orewa Barrett-Ohia.

By attending the conference, Rau made contact with people who could share ideas about organic farming.

"Her family is happy to listen to new ideas as they put in place plans to help their farm go forward," says Orewa.

"AgResearch becomes involved in such things as Wahine Whanau Whenua because it's one way we can link Maori women with our specialist science and agricultural knowledge. We then help them apply this knowledge to the land - for example, through feasibility checks, soil testing or advising on the commercial viability of an idea."

Find out more about Wahine Whanau Whenua:

Web: www.wahinewhanauwhenua.co.nz

Contact Orewa:

Email: orewa.barrett-ohia@agresearch.co.nz  Phone: +64 7 838 5047