5 posts tagged “native science”

This big kumara (aka 'sweet potato') was one of several dug up from a garden in Tauranga which uses liquid vermicast last weekend. We can't be sure how much credit to give the worm juice but this giant of the Convolvulaceae family has some impressive statistics:

• Circumference 45cm
• Length 27cm
• Width 15cm
• Weight 2.4kg
  

By the way, a recent carbon-dating study indicates that of the ancient middens found so far which contain varieties of kumara, those from Papua New Guinea appear to be significantly older than those from Central or South America - no real surprise there

Anybody got a good recipe?

 

 

 

Big thanks to the Aorangi Awanui Trust for supporting this mahi, and especially to Tama, Krystal & Charlie who showed us around their spectacular maunga in te rohepotae o Mokai-Patea.  Kia ora Stephen for bringing it together

We took heaps of photos - these are just a few to give you an idea of how choice it was doing bush research.  Will upload a selection of more informative photos from the fungi survey in a seperate post

 

A brief photo essay sampling various shots taken to identify types of forest fungi on a landblock bordering the slopes of Pirongia maunga. It was such a perfect day that we just kept climbing to check the awesome views from the top

A local korero gives Pirongia maunga as the place where Tuhoe-potiki met his end after falling off the side of one of the many precipices found in this rugged bush country

Whenua.biz hui to progress the 'Kaupapa Advisory Ropu' on their whakaaro around our current projects. The agenda focused much of the discussion on the tikanga and traditional applications associated with the Awheto cordyceps fungi, namely Rongoa & Ta-moko

We thank you all for the tautoko + challenging korero - kia ora Kaihoro, & cheers everybody!

"Dear Mark, Katie, and Chris

Just a quick note to thank you all for the wonderful evening. It was not only a very educational occasion where both the delegation and I learnt a lot but also a fun night. As promised, please find attached a photo of the dinner.

Probably the most important massages the delegation received on the night were:

• Maori has unique and special knowledge and skills in the area of traditional medicine and other uses of endemic materials.
• When collaborating with NZ researchers, it is vital for Japanese scientists/companies to ensure that they (NZ scientists) are linked to local Iwis concerned (i.e., they have proper consultation process with the Iwis). If not, Japanese scientists/companies should contact the right Maori group to establish such connections. Groups like your company are willing to help them to identify who the right Maori groups/individuals are.
• As in Japanese society, Maori community values trust based on personal-relationships. To build trust, it is advisable for Japanese scientists/companies to seek face-to-face meetings, wherever possible.
• Once agreement/consensus is reached between the proper Maori groups and Japanese scientists/companies, the former will defend the agreement against any criticisms arisen within the Maori community.

Again, many thanks for sharing your insights and knowledge with the delegation. I hope that we will see each other again before long.

Naku noa, na

Seishi Gomibuchi

NZ/Japan Science & Technology Coordinator
Ministry of Research, Science & Technology"

 

 

"Hi Mark,

Dr Sumida has been in touch with MoRST to say thanks and also… 'The dinner with Maori leaders was a great experience for us. We enjoyed the conversation with them.'

Amanda Tomlinson

Senior Adviser, International Linkages
Ministry of Research, Science & Technology"