Ngā Mata o Tāne: Valued native tree characteristics and cultural practices through the lens of traditional kaiwhakairo rākau (Māori wood carvers) and ringa kohi kākano (seed collectors) in Aotearoa New Zealand

<p dir="ltr">A comprehensive engagement process of interviews, surveys and wānanga (workshops) with 45 participants in 2023-24 has broadened our understanding of how kaiwhakairo rākau (traditional Māori wood carvers) and ringa kohi kākano (seed collectors) select and value native rākau (tree/wood) species while upholding cultural practices in Aotearoa New Zealand.</p><p dir="ltr">Kaiwhakairo rākau consistently emphasised the importance of using native species, with a strong cultural and practical preference for tōtara (Podocarpus totara).

Ecological and cultural considerations provided the underlying foundation of kohi kākano (seed collection) decisions. Both communities of practice favoured the adoption of emerging technologies to identify suitable non-diseased standing or fallen rākau.</p><p dir="ltr">This knowledge provides valuable insights into the characteristics of native rākau prized for whakairo (carving) and kohi kākano with associated cultural practices.