11/05/2026
The business of Rongoa wananga - Koukourarata, Port Levy, Banks Peninsula 🌿
I was incredibly humbled to attend this hui / gathering bringing together key folk & organisations to gain more clarity of the future of Rongoa - the traditional system of Maori medicine.
In 1907 the Tohunga suppression act was passed in NZ determining its practice was driven underground.
Nga mihi to Tutehuarewa marae, Donna Kerridge, Te Kahui Rongoa Trust, Maori Women’s Development Inc, ACC & IRD for hosting and holding this precious Rongoa space.
As Donna says, time is precious. And it really is time to reclaim and integrate Rongoa Maori within hauora / health care in Aotearoa / NZ. Where else can it be practiced but within its rightful home?
“Rongoa is a ‘we’ kaupapa not a ‘me’ kaupapa”
- Donna Kerridge
What a stunning location 🧡 this day will long last with me. I personally look forward to the continuing chapters of exploring the life long practice of Rongoa.
Nga mihi nui ki a koutou! 🙏🏼