He Raihi Whakatū - Rice Workshop

‘Planting and harvesting rice have been communal events in Japan, and associated festivals. Learning/Teaching how to make rope from rice straw is also something I would like to pass on to the next generation’ Yuki Fukuda - Nelson Japanese Society

‘Rice is the most important Asian taonga. It has been carefully cultivated for thousands of years by Asian ancestors and sustained our lives. I was given the seed rice by Yoshimasa Sakurai in Northland who had grown rice for over 30 years. Unfortunately, he passed away in April 2024. Last summer, I successfully grew rice in our garden. I have run Rice Open Day in March and 40 people (including many Asians) came to look at our rice, which was close to harvest in our rice paddy near Nelson Hospital. Many (particularly from Nelson Japanese Society and Chinese and Vietnamese people) expressed interests in growing rice themselves. Through this workshop, I would like to teach them how to grow rice in pots. This method lowers the barriers and allows people learn and teach our children how the Asian staple can be grown here in Nelson.

My work has been featured in the following: Jones, K. 2024. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350254679/rice-growing-good-environment-food-security-says-ecologist. Wenman, E. 2024. https://www.asiamediacentre.org.nz/features/growing-asian-taonga-in-aotearoa/.

Last summer, I was the only rice grower in New Zealand. I proved that rice can be grown successfully in Nelson. For Japanese and other Asians living in Nelson, this was the first time they saw rice plants. They were very excited to be able to come home with seed rice and have a go at growing rice in their backyard to reconnect with their cultural identity.

This event helps raise awareness about New Zealand currently relying on 100% of rice from import and, therefore, growing rice is a solution towards food security of this nation. By teaching Asian migrants how to grow rice themselves would help preserve cultural traditions and benefit my community greatly as we can be re-connected to our Asian taonga and staple. Rice has been the single most important crop for Asians and, through this plants, many cultural celebrations and festivals are maintained.’

Yuki Fukuda - Nelson Japanese Society