Māori horticulture

Māori horticulture involves traditional methods of cultivating native plants and crops, such as sweet potatoes (kumara), yams, and taro, often within carefully managed gardens called "pā." These practices emphasize sustainability, knowledge of local ecosystems, and seasonal cycles passed down through generations. Māori also integrated spiritual beliefs with their agricultural work, respecting the land (whenua) as a vital life source. Today, Māori horticulture blends traditional techniques with modern agriculture, promoting cultural identity, food sovereignty, and environmental stewardship across Aotearoa (New Zealand).