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Story: Kaitiakitanga – guardianship and conservation

Harvesting kūmara

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Harvesting kūmara

Women harvest kūmara (sweet potatoes) in the far north of the North Island, early in the 20th century. Traditionally, success in growing and harvesting kūmara was assured by the entire community following appropriate tikanga (practices). They acted as kaitiaki and helped look after the harvest.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Northwood Collection (PA-Group-00027)

Reference: 1/1-006265-G

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, Kaitiakitanga – guardianship and conservation – Kaitiaki – guardians, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/11592/harvesting-kumara (accessed 26 June 2026).

Story by Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, published 2 March 2009.