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Story: Te mahi kai – food production economics

Kāinga (settlement)

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Kāinga

This picture depicts an idealised kāinga (Māori settlement). The gardens were placed on elevated, north-facing slopes to maximise exposure to sun. Soils were modified by adding sand, gravel and charcoal to improve heat retention and drainage.

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How to cite this page

Manuka Henare, Te mahi kai – food production economics – Location and scale of activities, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/artwork/20257/kainga-settlement (accessed 3 June 2026).

Story by Manuka Henare, published 1 March 2009.