Ahuwhenua is a principle in Māori culture, relating to industrious cultivation of land. In modern times, the word typically refers to a type of land management trust for indigenous lands in New Zealand, and to the Ahuwhenua Trophy, an annual agricultural award.
Concept
editAhuwhenua is a traditional concept relating to horticultural activity, such as gardening and harvesting. Ahunwhenua was seen as a noble trait, and the ability to provide for family through agricultural cultivation.[1] Over time, the word ahuwhenua in Māori language began to adopt a meaning similar to the English word industrious, and could refer to contexts outside of farming.[1]
Ahu Whenua Trusts are a modern form of land management, where Māori land owned by multiple owners is managed together. This type of trust was first legally developed as a part of the Te Ture Whenua Maori Act (1993), however similar structures have been in place since the Maori Affairs Act (1953), where they were known as 438 Trusts[2] Ahu Whenua Trusts are the most common form of administration for agricultural Māori land in New Zealand.[2] Ahu Whenua Trusts were created as a method to combat the fragmentation of Māori land titles, an issue that had been accelerated by the establishment of the Māori Land Court in 1865.[3]
Ahuwhenua Trophy
editFrom 1932 to 1990, the Department of Māori Affairs had an annual award, the Ahuwhenua Trophy, celebrating the best Māori farmers in Aotearoa.[1][4] The award was established by politician Āpirana Ngata, as a way to promote European-style farming methods among traditional farmers, and improve the economic prosperity of Māori.[4] The award was revived in 2003.[4]
References
edit- ^ a b c Barlow, Cleve (1991). Tikanga Whakaaro: Key Concepts in Māori Culture. Melbourne, Australia: Oxford University Press. p. 1. ISBN 9780195582123.
- ^ a b Kingi, Tanira T; Maughan, C William (1998). "Legal devices to manage customary Maori land: overcoming the conflict between retention and development". JMCL. 25: 253.
- ^ Kingi, Tanira (24 November 2008). "Ahuwhenua – Māori land and agriculture". Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
- ^ a b c Lambert, Simon J. (2011). "Te Ahuwhenua and the 'Sons' of the Soil': A history of the Māori-Farmer-of-the-Year award". MAI Review. hdl:10182/6568. ISSN 1177-5904.