What you will learn:

This wānanga is a guided introduction to rongoā Māori grounded in tikanga, whakapapa, and relationship. You will be supported to reconnect with the ngahere through Kawakawa, learning how to recognise the plant, understand its role, and work with it safely and respectfully. Across two days, you will be guided through preparing simple rongoā including Kawakawa pani and wai rākau tī, while developing an understanding of tapu and noa as the foundation for safe practice. This kaupapa also acknowledges the impacts of colonisation on rongoā Māori and reconnects participants with mātauranga Māori through an introduction to the Maramataka Māori. This is not a product-based workshop, but a practical and grounded wānanga that centres responsibility, respect, and reconnection.

This two-day wānanga provides a grounded introduction to rongoā Māori, centered on tikanga, whakapapa, and connection to the ngahere. Through working with Kawakawa, you will learn to harvest and prepare rongoā remedies like pani and wai rākau tī safely and respectfully. The wānanga explores tapu and noa, acknowledges the impacts of colonisation, and reconnects participants with mātauranga Māori via the Maramataka. This is a practical, responsibility-focused experience rather than a product-based workshop.

Course outline

Day 1: Foundations and Context

• Introduction to rongoā Māori – what it is and what it is not
• Colonisation and disconnection, including the Tohunga Suppression Act 1907
• Tapu and noa as the foundation for rongoā practice
• Introduction to the Maramataka Māori
• Kawakawa whakapapa and building relationship with the plant

Day 2: Observation and Application

• Kawakawa plant identification and environmental awareness
• Preparing oil infusions (hot press method)
• Making Kawakawa pani (balm)
• Preparing wai rākau tī (herbal tea)
• Processing Kawakawa leaves and storage
• Integration, reflection, and responsibility moving forward

Note! The fee includes all materials required for the wānanga, with participants taking home their own Kawakawa preparations. Participants receive practical skills, resources, and guided experience within a kaupapa Māori framework that prioritises safety, responsibility, and integrity.

Please note: All courses need a minimum number to go ahead. If your course does not have enough enrolments, we regret that we will have to cancel and will let you know by email - please check your emails, including your spam folder, regularly. Courses are usually cancelled, when necessary, 1-2 working days prior to the scheduled start date. Please ensure you are aware of our terms and conditions before completing your enrolment. Note there is NO refund if you cancel less than 5 working days in advance of a class starting.