Hua Parakore: an indigenous verification and validation system for mahinga kai (food and product production)

Hua Parakore is an indigenous verification and validation system for mahinga kai (food and product production) that is initiated and driven by Te Waka Kai Ora (National Māori Organics Authority of Aotearoa). It is the realisation of a community driven kaupapa Māori research project located at the flaxroots with Te Waka Kai Ora regional communities. This paper presents Hua Parakore, a kaupapa Māori programme for defining a pure product, such as food, meat, wool and traditional medicines. Hua Parakore production and cultural practices are free from genetic modification (GM), nanotechnology, chemicals and pesticides and ensure product purity and integrity that is congruent with Māori cultural practices. Hua Parakore aligns with closed systems of production with zero or minimal inputs, works in harmony with nature and promotes self-reliance and self-sustaining practices, thereby con- tributing to indigenous food security and food sovereignty in Aotearoa. As an innovation Hua Parakore contributes to well-being and supports the potential of Mäori communities to transform and re-invigorate; rangatiratanga (self-determination); te oranga o te whānau (family well-being); community development; kaitiakitanga (cultural and environmental sustainability); and creates a pathway for Mäori growers and producers to tell their kaupapa Māori production story. Keywords food sovereignty, indigenous organics, Hua Parakore, kaupapa Māori