One of the more mysterious mahika kai species is kākahi. These are our native freshwater mussels that live in rivers and lakes. Unlike marine mussels, they move around with a ‘foot’ and can often be spotted by finding the trails they leave behind them. Kākahi were traditionally valued as a reliable food source, as they generally stay in the same place and are available all year round. Kākahi shells are also valued for use in making muka (flax fibre), and were used to cut hair, umbilical cords, or even as rattles attached to manu aute (kites).


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Dunedin City Cultural Narrative
Dr Michael Stevens is a Ngāi Tahu historian currently working for Aukaha on the development of a Ngāi Tahu cultural narrative for Dunedin city. He is one of several people contributing to this project that is compiling Ngāi Tahu associations across the city before and since its British colonial settlement, which began in 1848. Aukaha is undertaking…
Read MoreTe Ohu Aukaha
Last year Aukaha signed a contract with MSD for a Managed Apprenticeship Trust Plan in Otago. The plan is part of the wider philosophy of Aukaha and our partners to build human capital, whānau wealth creation and a strong economy. Aukaha will lead an integrated system that supports and connects Māori and Pacifica to jobs…
Read MoreNgāi Tahu Cultural Narratives in Schools
The Ministry for Education is encouraging schools to more consistently recognise the history and ongoing presence of mana whenua. A key way of doing this is through the development of cultural narratives when a school site is being developed or significantly renovated. This was a core element of the Christchurch school rebuild process, in which relevant…
Read MoreThe Annual General Meeting of Aukaha (1997) Limited is being held on Tuesday 27th November 2018 at 5.30pm. The Annual Report will be available at the meeting.
If you would like a copy of the Agenda please email your request to - info@aukaha.co.nz