Story: Take whenua – Māori land tenure

Kāinga (settlement)

Kāinga (settlement)

This artwork by Rozel Pharazyn shows an idealised Māori kāinga (settlement). Fixed settlements were often close to major resources – agricultural land for growing kūmara (sweet potato), taro or gourds; rivers and swamps for eels and lamprey; or the sea for fishing and shellfish. Additionally, over time, a location with a defensible hill or clifftop was required for (fortified villages).

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Watercolour by Rozel Pharazyn

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How to cite this page:

Paul Meredith, 'Take whenua – Māori land tenure - Customary rights', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/18375/kainga-settlement (accessed 26 April 2024)

Story by Paul Meredith, published 24 Nov 2008