Tāpapa is a small garden bed, specifically for growing kūmara tipu (seedlings).

Kūmara are placed in coarse growing material such as sand or fine shells or stones surrounded by volcanic rocks. When warmed by the sun the volcanic rocks release gas and provide steady heat that encourage tipu growth. Tipu can then be plucked out to plant in larger beds. A tāpapa provides a continuous supply of tipu and a designated space for different varieties.

This resource is an excerpt from a larger resource about gardening practices around South Auckland looking at a variety of garden spaces and their cultural significance and knowledge.