Seeds of Change shared with the Governor-General

It was fantastic to see a special visit from Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro – to our Park Partner Āteanui, a thriving mahinga kai operation led by Moana Timoko and Tahu Warmington.

Five years ago, Moana and Tahu started with just 1,000 peruperu seeds. Today, thanks to their dedication and deep connection to mātauranga Maori, they’ve grown that number into a seed bank of over three million. Using ngā taka o te marama – the Maori lunar calendar – they determine the best times to plant and harvest, keeping ancient knowledge alive in every row.

But this isn’t just a story about kai. Tahu, who proudly claims the title of “mad scientist,” is taking peruperu innovation to new heights. From powering motorbikes with peruperu gas to a ream of other ingenious applications - his experiments are a brilliant blend of tradition and tech.

Through their work, Āteanui isn’t just growing potatoes – they’re growing community. Locals are invited to join in and learn traditional gardening techniques and take home some of the harvest. It’s enterprise, innovation and hands-on learning - right at the heart of Northland.

Read more about the visit and view more images from Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18xmbtGyn1/