Mōkihi

Mōkihi (mohi, mōkī or mogi) are rafts made of bundles of raupō, flax stalks or rushes. They were an essential means of transport for early Māori travelling the waterways of Te Waipounamu. Designed to be light, buoyant and easily constructed, they allowed for crossing waterways in search of resources such as kai and pounamu.

Related resources

Ngāi Tahu Mahinga Kai video

• Mōkihi – featuring mōkihi expert Joe Wakefield

• Download a PDF of the video transcript here

Articles

• Different waka for different roles – design for purpose – TKI

• Raupō – traditional uses – Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research