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Mahika kai species of Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere
Description
NameKey fish species of Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere
DescriptionTe Waihora Lake Ellesmere has outstanding significance as a tribal taoka, representing a major mahika kai (food gathering site) and an important source of mana for Ngāi Tahu. The original name for the lake – Te Kete Ika a Rākaihautū (The Fish Basket of Rākaihautū) speaks to the way the lake has been a major tribal resource for generations.
As the explanation on the Te Waihora co-governance website reads: 'Water is a taoka of the utmost importance, playing a central role in the culture, traditions and ongoing identity of the iwi, particularly in relation to mahika kai. Water is a source of food and physical sustenance and is of significance with regard to mana and spiritual nourishment.'
Te Waihora has almost 50 fish species recorded in the lake. Tuna (eels), aua (yellow-eyed mullet), īnanga (whitebait) and pātiki (flounder) are significant mahika kai species for Ngāi Tahu.
Read more about each of these mahika kai species in this collection.
DescriptionTe Waihora Lake Ellesmere has outstanding significance as a tribal taoka, representing a major mahika kai (food gathering site) and an important source of mana for Ngāi Tahu. The original name for the lake – Te Kete Ika a Rākaihautū (The Fish Basket of Rākaihautū) speaks to the way the lake has been a major tribal resource for generations. As the explanation on the Te Waihora co-governance website reads: 'Water is a taoka of the utmost importance, playing a central role in the culture, traditions and ongoing identity of the iwi, particularly in relation to mahika kai. Water is a source of food and physical sustenance and is of significance with regard to mana and spiritual nourishment.'
Te Waihora has almost 50 fish species recorded in the lake. Tuna (eels), aua (yellow-eyed mullet), īnanga (whitebait) and pātiki (flounder) are significant mahika kai species for Ngāi Tahu.
Read more about each of these mahika kai species in this collection.
Connections
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Mahika kai species of Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere. Selwyn Stories, accessed 24/08/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/6524