Kia Whai Hina - Mathew Kiore

Mirimiri is a traditional Māori healing technique that seeks to restore and rebalance the body. This is achieved through applying pressure to trigger points and pressure points, using tools such as kōhatu (stones), spine and joint alignment techniques and the use of hands, feet, elbows and bodyweight to work the muscles and tissue. It is similar to other traditional massage techniques, while also

incorporating Māori wairua. Mirimiri means “natural gift” and encompasses a person’s physical as well as spiritual wellbeing. Practitioners follow in the footsteps of their “Tupuna” ancestors, dating back hundreds of years. The inspiration for mirimiri comes from nature – particularly water or ocean, both of which symbolise our life force. Why is Mirimiri important? Mirimiri provides increased circulation to the body and has been found to increase serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters that help reduce depression. Mirimiri helps you manage stress and provide a better emotional and spiritual balance. Mirimiri promotes healing through physical touch or kohatu (stones) to draw toxic energy out of the body. It utilises a holistic approach to restoring wellness to the mind, spirit, body and emotional wellbeing. It is believed the build-up of tension in the body reflects trauma and stress you have accumulated during your life and, if left untreated, can cause illness, pain or dysfunction on a physical, emotional or spiritual level. Kia Whai Hina comes from the kōrero of Uepoto who sought the hinatore and made our
world a better place by bringing light from the darkness, I have dedicated myself to
supporting and creating healthy pathways via my indigenous heritage, skills and knowledge. It's something I continue to grow and learn about. I am the co-chair of the Dunedin Postvention. I have lead wellness and suicide prevention
work locally, regionally and nationally with Te Hou Ora Whanau Services, Kōkiri Traininig
Centre, NZ Māori Rugby & Kia Whai Hina. The Mental wellness of whanau māori and all
people has been a major driver in my life, with my lived experience of losing loved ones as
my motivator. It is my absolute privilege that people visit me as I share my passion for rongoa māori. To
consider the people first in every situation is my commitment to this ara. I have been blessed to learn systems and skills as a kaimiri, pou kōrero, kai tikanga, kai
karakia, tumuaki and kaimahi māori. The skills I have acquired through whakapapa,
whakaako, wananga, rongoa and tiro atu are the basis of my healing practice- Kia Whai
Hina, which describes the journey to make the world a better place. While people have described me as a healer, kaumatua, kai tikanga, tumuaki, kaiako, and
many other titles. In truth I simply share what has been shared with me through countless
wananga and the richness shared by my kaumatua. I have learned many skills to support
the people around me, and help them improve their own contexts and look after themselves.