Te Hiku Rongoā Māori Collective

07/03/2026

Aratohu Tangihanga wananga, hara mai tetahi ahua!
What another amazing wananga sharing space to learn how to take care of our loved ones who have passed, and offering them an opportunity of being done naturally instead of embalming.

Use of karakia, wai tai, rongoa oils, mirimiri, wrapping in kokowai shroud, Then placing them into their woven whariki "Takapau wharanui" made with love by whanau, who get to add their Mauri and love into the creation of this. The lining of that with rongoa and scented flowers such as lavenders, Kawakawa, Manuka etc, then on their base platforms with handles. Most importantly placement of cooling packs especially around puku/ organs, use of cooling platform, all are key parts of the process as well.

But the step by step guide around the paperwork involved was gold, so many don't know they have a choice to process their loved ones like this, and the massive saving in cost this offers whanau.... More than that is the reclamation of returning to natural process of burials using matauranga of our Tupuna using natural resources, no toxins going into Papatuakunu, it's our duty of care to our loved ones, and our Taiao..

22/02/2026

Kia ora whānau,

If you’re interested in learning more about traditional tangihanga practices (re tūpāpaku), nau mai, haere mai to Te Hiku Rongoā Māori Collective Whare Rongoā – Tihei Wā Mauri Ora.

This wānanga is for whānau who would like to explore natural options for caring for their loved ones — an alternative to chemical embalming — and to better understand your rights and choices.

If this kōrero speaks to you, please register using the link below, be quick there is limited spaces.

Please bring a plate for shared kai and a koha on the day

Ngā mihi nui,
ARATOHU

https://forms.gle/QvaBwxfK3ADH6TZPA

12/02/2026

Fabulous Fridays are back today! 🌿

Nau mai, haere mai! If you’re keen to join us, come along to learn, share and kōrero — this is a safe space for all.

Bring a plate to share for kai, a willingness to learn, and an open heart as we begin (or continue) our journey of reconnection with mātauranga rongoā in its many forms, guided by our kaumātua and kaitautoko.

03/02/2026

03/02/2026

We’re at the National Iwi Chairs Forum in Waitangi (2–4 Feb) delivering Rongoā Māori services 🌿

The vibe has been steady, relaxed, and flowing — such a beautiful space to share this mahi.

So grateful for our collective and the way this kaupapa keeps strengthening our networks, growing our services, and connecting us with the most amazing people to meet and work alongside 💚

He tino taonga te mahi tahi ✨

Last day apopo (Wednesday) , come find us opposite Copthorn on the grass verge if you need work done.

28/01/2026

TKKM o Tututarakihi ki roto i te whare!
Ka nui te mihi ki a rātou i tae mai ki te tautoko i te kaupapa o te rā. ✊🏽🌿

What a awesome day yesterday with our rangatahi from Tututarakihi at our Whare Rongoā. Filmmakers from New York came to capture a glimpse of what we do, with the support of Te Hiku Hauora, indigenous health — and even though everything was delivered in te reo Māori, they could still feel the strength and essence of our kaupapa.

To be clear — this mahi is about reclaiming what was never meant to be taken from us.

We are restoring mātauranga Rongoā to our tamariki and whānau so it becomes normal again. Not hidden. Not pushed aside like colonisation and various legislation tried to extinguish our tūpuna knowledge and healing practices.

We are not asking for permission to heal our own people. This is intergenerational resistance through restoring our cultural practices and wellbeing.

Huge gratitude to Tina Lee Yates and Hone Baz Bassett for standing alongside Lynsday Paul Elliott and I to deliver this workshop. Together we made kawakawa and mamaku balm infused with coconut oil — hands-on, practical, unapologetically ours.

And our rangatahi — their waiata, their energy, their presence — lifted the mauri in the room. That ihirangaranga, that vibration and frequency they bring, is what makes the Rongoā truly special. ✨

This is what healing sovereignty looks like. 🔥🌿

16/12/2025

Walk-In Wednesday – āpōpō
No bookings necessary at our Whare Rongoā, Tihei-Wā Mauri Ora 10am onwards.

Tina Lee Yates will also be continuing Walking Wednesdays throughout the Christmas break and is available for additional bookings.
Please see contact details below.

13/12/2025

Te Hiku Health Science Roadshow 2025 – University of Auckland Labs

An incredible visit to the University of Auckland Labs Grafton Campus with Natalie Netzler (Virologist) and Kimiora Henare (Cancer Researcher), alongside their amazing teams of researchers and students.

A very cool day filled with presentations and lots of hands-on activities — truly inspiring for our rangatahi.

We’re excited that two of the researchers will be joining us next month at Noho Taiao to share their journeys with other rangatahi. We were especially grateful to have our Whangapē whanaunga Kimiora Henare, along with Matija Susich (Nana Jewels Moko) from Te Hāpua, join us. Having whānau represented in these spaces allows our rangatahi to see themselves reflected in science, research, and innovation — and to imagine themselves there too.

We wrapped up at 1.00pm to make the journey back to Kaitaia, arriving home by 6.30pm.

Absolutely awesome rangatahi. A massive mihi to everyone our young people had the opportunity to meet and kōrero with — students, scientists, cultural advisors, iwi researchers, CEOs, the Minister of Science and Innovation, and the pastoral care support team. These were powerful examples of the wide range of opportunities ahead for any of our young ones who choose to step into these pathways and intentionally help increase the number of Māori working in these fields.

Huge mihi to Nayah (Palmerston North), Isobel (Plant & Food Research, Mt Albert – BSI), and Natalie (University of Auckland) for helping to set up such a meaningful and well-designed programme, ensuring our rangatahi gained as much as possible from this Roadshow.

Much love and gratitude to you all 🤍

10/12/2025

Aoake te Rā Bereaved by su***de Service Provider and Service Training Monday and Tuesday at Te Hiku Rongoa Maori collective.