Today, we continue to post about an imperative of the Living Building Challenge, a total of 20 imperatives, with Pā Reo as a case study.
The second imperative of the Place Petal is I02 Urban Agriculture. This is how Pā Reo achieved this imperative.
Te Wānanga o Raukawa's Pā Reo project is a harmonious blend of tradition, sustenance, and community enrichment.
This endeavour offers a number of opportunities through Rongoā (Traditional Māori Medicine) and a Māra Kai (Food) featuring fruit trees and a chicken coop, nurtured collaboratively by the Wānanga and Whare Kōhungahunga (Kōhanga Reo / Kindergarten), open for the community's benefit.
Spanning 1692m2, the Urban Agriculture area symbolises a convergence of sustainable practices and cultural heritage, echoing Ōtaki's legacy as a hub for market gardens catering to the wider community's nourishment.
Integral to the landscape are Harakeke (Flax) plantations, envisioned not only for cultivation but as a vital resource for Kaiwhatu (Weavers) at Te Wānanga o Raukawa, crafting traditional artifacts and taonga (treasures).
The planting selections of Rongoā and Kai serve as valuable educational tools for diverse programs offered by the Wānanga, including Heke Rongoā, Poutuarongo Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao, Heke Toi Whakarākai, and Poutuarongo Whare Pora, fostering a holistic learning environment rooted in indigenous knowledge and practices.
Through this holistic approach, the Urban Agriculture project embodies a profound connection between land, culture, education, and community well-being.
See Our Living Future Projects Map for a map of certified buildings.