Katikati Screens Māori Organic Farming Film on Indigenous Food Sovereignty

Grow On Katikati is hosting a screening of Hua Parakore: Living Indigenous Food Sovereignty, a full-length interview film featuring Dr Jessica Hutchings, a Māori research leader from Kaitoke who specialises in environmental and indigenous studies and is herself a hua parakore (Māori organic) farmer.

In the film, Hutchings explores indigenous Māori approaches to organic farming and verification, incorporating concepts such as moon cycles, connection to Papatuanuku, the land's energy, and the many species that inhabit it. Grow On Katikati's Jizzy Green said Hutchings' advocacy for earth-friendly practices aligns closely with what the group encourages its growers to embrace — summed up in the phrase "healthy soil equals healthy food equals healthy people."

The group screened the film a few years ago and found it so inspiring they wanted to share it again with the wider community. Everyone is welcome, with a suggested koha of $5, though people who cannot afford this are still encouraged to attend. There will also be an opportunity to donate to the Papawhakaritorito Charitable Trust, of which Hutchings is a founding trustee.

Anyone working in food security or community food resilience is invited to a short hui at 6.30pm before the main screening, to be facilitated by Mana Kai Mana Ora. The event takes place on 18 February from 7–8pm at The Centre Patuki Manawa, next to Katikati Library. RSVP to membersgrowonkatikati@gmail.com.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).