COMMUNITY PROJECT #421 - REGENERATIVE HUNTING COLLECTIVE
Mission Statement:
To turn ecological threats into community abundance by coordinating pest management (goats, pigs, deer) and distributing high-protein kai to local whānau.
The Needs Assessment:
Invasive species are high-entropy agents causing massive damage to our native forests and waterways. At the same time, whānau face "Kai Scarcity" due to the high cost of supermarket meat. We currently have a "Newtonian Error" where hunting is viewed as a separate hobby rather than a vital ecological and social service.
Core Objectives:
Manage and reduce pest populations in three critical biodiversity zones in year one.
Process and distribute 5,000kg of high-quality wild meat to local pātaka and whānau.
Train 10 young hunters in "Ethical Kaitiakitanga" and hygienic meat processing.
Establish a certified community processing hub that meets health standards for shared distribution.
Stakeholder Map:
Local Hunters: The active agents of pest removal.
Whānau & Marae: The recipients of the wild-harvested kai.
Department of Conservation (DOC): For land access and biodiversity alignment.
Professional Butchers: To mentor hunters in safe processing.
The "Impact" Model:
This project transforms a "Mauri Mate" (-2) liability (pests) into a "Mauri Ora" (+2) asset (food). It is sustained by the ecological value it provides to landowners and the social value of food security. It bypasses the global industrial meat complex, keeping the "Life Force" of the land within the community.
Engagement Strategy:
We will use an app to coordinate hunts and alert whānau when fresh meat is available at the pātaka. We will host "Wild Kai" community feasts to celebrate the restoration of our forests.
Resource Requirements:
A mobile or central chiller unit and hygienic processing space.
Hunting equipment and safety/GPS gear for the collective.
Transport for carcasses from remote areas to the processing hub.
Health and safety training certifications for all members.
Timeline of Action:
Week 1: Identify the first three "Target Zones" with landowners and DOC.
Week 2: Recruit 10 experienced hunters and conduct an "Ethical Kaitiaki" induction.
Week 3: Secure and set up the community processing/chilling station.
Week 4: First coordinated hunt and community kai distribution day.
Mauri Assessment
Te Taiao (Environment): +2 — Directly reduces the pressure of invasive species on native ecosystems.
Te Ahurea (Culture): +1 — Restores the traditional practice of mahinga kai and hunting as service.
Te Tangata (Social): +2 — Provides high-quality nutrition to whānau and reduces food insecurity.
Te Pūtea (Economic): +1 — Lowers household food costs by providing locally harvested protein.
