Artisan: Ka pai kai  By Sophie Bond  Photo / ted Baghurst Photo
/ ted Baghurst  A new certification label aims to become a
market force for Maori organic food producers.  A recently
launched organic food labelling system promotes Maori knowledge
and values, including a healthy earth and healthy consumers.
Called Hua Parakore, meaning pure product, the label is an
initiative of Te Waka Kai Ora, the National Maori Organics
Authority.  Ohaeawai resident Geneva Hildreth spent many years
growing organic produce on her family's small farm and selling
it at local markets.?As chair of Taitokerau Organic Producers
(TOPIS) and an executive member of Te Waka Kai Ora, Geneva was
involved in creating the Hua Parakore verification system.  "For
me Hua Parakore is about producing healthy kai that's going to
not only look after Papatuanuku and the environment but also
produce healthy mokopuna."  She has a vision to see the Hua
Parakore tohu (label) on the front gates of all Maori food
producers. "So that it becomes recognise