About Us
Taitokerau Organic Producers Incorporated Society is a regional collective of Hua Parakore* (pure product) producers. The long-term vision of Taitokerau Organic Producers is: to promote a holistic approach to sustainable management of Hua Parakore. Our mission is: To enhance the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of Tangata Whenua through the transfer and sharing of intellectual knowledge, skills and resources which enable sustainable development of Hua Parakore.
Taitokerau Organic Producers have been established since 1990 and registered as a Society in 1997. Taitokerau Organic Producers currently have a membership of about 100 people, of which approximately 80% are Mâori. Specialist groups that have developed amongst producers include: beef, vegetables, honey, Rongoa Maori, herbs, soap and vermicasting (worms).
It is identified that 1/3 of Maori owned property (approx 155000 ha) in Tai Tokerau is undeveloped, vacant or non dollar earning. In addition, Northland land base offers an immense opportunity for commercial activities in organic production as the land is largely free of chemical contamination from previous uses.
Taitokerau Organic Producers main strategic directions have been geared around education and advice to new and established Hua Parakore producers around Tai Tokerau region (Kaipara to Cape). Education and advice is focused on the use of sustainable Hua Parakore methods and applications toward land or product improvement. The primary intention of the service is to provide knowledge sharing resources to Northland land owners and encourage commercial production of Hua Parakore to assist in the process of whanau economic development through yield of Hua Parakore product.
Taitokerau Organic Producers next phase of strategic development encompass outcomes primarily of interest to Hua Parakore producers in Northland. They focus on Hua Parakore certification standards and procedures, marketing strategies, improved data management systems and strengthening partnerships with stakeholders to enhance the achievement of long term goals for Taitokerau Organic Producers.
Taitokerau Organic Producers have a high component of Hua Parakore (organic production) and throughout the membership there is a varying level of understanding of related Matauranga Maori and its application to Hua Parakore management systems. Taitokerau Organic Producers role is to provide a forum for its members to give commercial support and advice to increase yield and quality of Hua Parakore produce.
Taitokerau Organic Producers are part of Te Waka Kâi Ora, a national Maori organic producer’s body whose current focus is to incorporate a Mâori perspective into the current certification standards that verify Hua Parakore produce for market.
Hua Parakore* is defined by TOPIS as a pure product taken from the Paipera Tapu. He kupu i ahu mai I roto te Paipera Tapu.
Aims & Objectives
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To promote and encourage the training and upskilling of members in a range of areas that include property and business management and technical/life skills.
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To provide leadership in business management systems for Tai Tokerau Hua Parakore producers.
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To support, establish, setup and assist members in any kind of scientific or research work relevant to the production of Hua Parakore produce.
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To provide marketing opportunities and strategies for Tai Tokerau Hua Parakore producers.
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To support members in the development of Hua Parakore product in response to market needs.
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To promote, protect and represent the interests/expectations and beliefs of members involved in the production of Hua Parakore.
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To actively work alongside other organisations or groups within the community and organic sector to promote and strengthen the growth of Hua Parakore whenua development in Tai Tokerau.
Achievements:
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Establishment of capacity building document
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Establishment of Taitokerau Organic Producers Hua Parakore Standards (certification) document
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Establishment of Te Raranga Matauranga Project (MAF Sustainable Farming Fund)
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Organic Northland Forum administration role
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Instrumental role in forming Te Waka Kai Ora (National Maori Organic standards representation)
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Instrumental role in developing NZ Organic Standards Document
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Reputable for sustainable land development workshops and consultation services
Rapunga whakaaro
Philosophy
To recognise and accept the role of kaitiakitanga (guardian) of the natural and physical resources within its control and influence, whilst ensuring the sustainable development of those resources.
To enhance the quality of life for present and future generations by maintaining balance between conservation and development of natural and physical resources.
The promotion of the use of practices and systems that maintain or enhance;
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The ability of people and their communities to provide for their social, cultural and occupational well being
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The economic viability of agriculture, horticulture, viticulture and animal husbandry
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Any ecosystem influenced by land based activities
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The quality and safety of food and its production
Mema
Membership
Our membership is open to any organisation ($100) or individuals ($20) who share similar a simple philosophy in relation to sustainable land development. Membership entitles you to special discounts, voting rights, workshops and monthly newsletters (see subscription form). Members are kept informed via email, website, newsletters and hui and also have access to Taitokerau Organic Producers networks and activities.
Roopu Whakahaere
Management
Taitokerau Organic Producers was incorporated as an society in December 1997 and has an Executive body elected once a year who work alongside the Taitokerau Organic Producers management team that is represented by sector group project coordinators.
Executive for 2009-2010 are:
The role of management is
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To provide effective leadership / and promote good governance
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Proactively defining values, culture, leadership
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Promoting / fostering quality products
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Enthusiastically, developing the organisation and its people
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Fostering good citizenship
Ka Uri
Staffing / location
Taitokerau Organic Producers office is located Cnr of Kowhai and Broadway Street Kaikohe
Nga Tohunga Mo Nga Mahi Ahu Whenua
Specialist Areas
Specialist areas refer to the different aspects of sustainable land development of Hua Parakore as appropriate to our members and their specific work practices and philosophies.
See Nga Tohunga Mo Nga Mahi Ahu Whenua for further details.
Nga Wananga a te Roopu
Taitokerau Organic Producers hui / workshops
Taitokerau Organic Producers hold regular hui that are open to all persons who share a similar interests or would like to simply learn more about us and our philosophy in relation to sustainable land development.
Taitokerau Organic Producers management hui are held at Mangamuka (radio Tautoko station). These hui focus on management issues, reporting and planning.
Taitokerau Organic Producers general hui are held around various venues in Taitokorau. These hui generally involve practical workshops, guest speakers and shared kai.
TOPIS weekend workshops are held on different marae in the Taitokerau rohe. The purpose of these workshops are to educate, exchange and enhance knowledge and resources in relation to organic systems and practices for whenua development.
See Panui for further details
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