Parehanga

Parehanga is a term that historically referred to a specific type of land tenure system prevalent in certain indigenous cultures. This system was characterized by communal ownership and usage rights, where land was not individually owned but rather held and managed by the community as a whole. The allocation and use of parehanga typically involved established traditions and customary laws that governed who could cultivate which areas and for what purpose. These practices were deeply intertwined with the social structure and kinship systems of the communities.

The concept of parehanga often implied a sense of shared responsibility and stewardship over the land. Decisions regarding its use, whether for agriculture, housing, or resource gathering, were usually made collectively or through designated community leaders. This communal approach ensured that the land's resources were utilized for the benefit of the entire group and that its long-term sustainability was maintained. The land was seen as a vital resource for present and future generations, fostering a deep connection between the people and their environment.

Over time, external influences, such as colonial policies and the introduction of Western legal frameworks, often impacted and sometimes supplanted traditional parehanga systems. These changes could lead to the privatization of land or the imposition of new forms of ownership that differed significantly from the communal principles of parehanga. Understanding parehanga is therefore crucial for appreciating the historical land management practices and the socio-economic structures of the societies that adopted it.