RONGOA Maori – Traditional Maori medicine

I had the great privilege of spending a weekend on one of Pa Ropata’s Rongoa Waananga in an area called Whare Tangata, Bay of Plenty.

Our group of twenty-four climbed through pristine bush on Maori land especially preserved for the perpetuation of Rongoa.

Before Aotearoa (NZ) was colonised, the ngahere (bush) was our main food source… our medicine, our source of wellbeing. Maori have always maintained kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of our native flora and fauna, knowing that the forest of Tane is our tuakana. The trees preceded us – the human race. This Rongoa matauranga was passed down by our ancestors, so as custodians we endeavor to protect and perpetuate this taonga of our wellbeing and to pass on to future generations so they in turn will benefit from Rongoa Maori for their wellbeing.

The ngahere becomes our teacher. When we go there we find stillness and presence. Our senses open and our mauri is nourished by the mauri of the trees, plants and birds. The roots, barks, leaves, flowers and berries of our native trees are our Rongoa.

Traditional healers in every generation go to the ngahere for their own wellbeing and for the collection of natures medical supplies to perpetuate their spiritual and cultural knowledge to play a key role in their communities. They understand and care for the habitat and life cycles of the native flora and fauna.

With commercialization, rodent and possum infestations and unsustainable practices, our ngahere of Aotearoa is in great danger. Only 23% of native bush remains covering our land mass compared to an original 80%.

As tangata whenua (indigenous Maori people of New Zealand), and all people who now live here, we have to respect, nurture and love our whenua (land) and all the progeny of Papatuanuku (Earth Mother).

We need to ensure our government, communities and decision makers are actioning and resourcing and prioritising environmental sustainability for our health and wellbeing and perpetuation of Rongoa Maori for future generations.

Nau e IO e e
Wikitoria