26-March-2011 - First noho At our first noho marae our Kaiako (Te Muri Whaanga) took us to her place in Fitzroy Avenue for us to go through the proper harvesting techniques of the harakeke. The photo opposite was the unfortunate victim of our first forays into harvesting and was harvested by Audrey, Gordon, Rehuata and myself. Audrey, Rehuata and myself have had previous experience in harvesting but it was a brand new experience for Gordon and we assisted him where we could.
 The diagram above displays proper cutting technique as well as identifying the names of the different parts of the plant that were used. The photo opposite is of me cutting in the proscribed manner. As well as harvesting the rau for usage later it is also important to remove as much of the rubbish and deadfall leaves from around the harakeke as well to encourage growth of the harakeke. In the past the deadfall and other used or unsuitable rau were returned to the base of the harakeke so that it could return to the earth and act as a natural compost and fertilizer but recent research suggests that to do so will only encourage the proliferation of pests and diseases which could harm the harakeke in the long run.
The picture opposite demonstrates how NOT TO harvest harakeke (a mistake that one of our other Tauira made before they could be corrected by the Kaiako) unless you are going to dig out the ones cut in this manner and use them for rongoa. Our whole class now uses this photo in their visual diaries as a warning and will be used by our kaiako for future reference. |
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