Te Urewera Treks & Retreats

24/07/2025

Kia ora ra! It's been a while since I've posted, I've been remembering, realigning and restoring myself - a big journey that requires a lot of energy, courage and disapline. On a hikoi, I noticed the Horopito is already in flowering, how cool are they?! If you're wondering if they are hot and peppery like the leaves...they are! In fact, the whole rakau, from the roots to the leaves is fire 🔥 (I haven't tasted the bark or wood, but I'm sure it's hot too).

I've noticed pigs will avoid Horopito. Saw some pig rooting years ago and it abruptly stopped at the Horopito. It was like they got a taste of the roots and abandoned ship 😆. I've personally tried the roots and holy hika ma, I spat it out fast. Perhaps this is Papatuanuku's method to help control these introduced kararehe, as Horopito seems to be more prolific now. This seems in line with her nature, to redirect and divert rather than a harsh slap down...well, until you really p**s her off. Anyway, take time to commune with this awesome rakau - the small but mighty, Horopito.

18/03/2025

MEET ME IN THE NGAHERE

“And into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul.”

Autumn is an awesome time to head to the forest, as the native birds and trees are preparing for Winter and hibernation. The forest fruits are ready and the birds are eating them up. If you've been following my post & would like to join me for a hikoi, now's your chance. To celebrate over 2 decades of business, I'm offering this unique experience at $88.

Email or PM to book and tell me what date you want to meet, remember - Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays during Autumn (min of 2 for each date, suitable for 10+yrs).

Venue: Whirinaki Te Pua a Tane Conservation Park, Bay of Plenty

17/02/2025

There's a GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) bill the government is proposing now that could have create very serious risk to our Taiao, our kai and our health. Submission deadline is tonight!

I watched a lady on an instagram reel (i think) provide a really good explanation of the ramifications if this bill passes. For example, big corporations like Mosanto could have the monopoly on selling seed that we are locked into buying. They have patented their crops and could potentially claim our seeds if cross pollination occurs, as their own property. They could GM food, so we couldn't regrow from seeds i.e. sprouting capsicum plants from seeds of capsicum you can buy now at the super market - it would become illegal. There's a risk to our native eco-systems and native species too. The list just goes on... Of course now I can't find the reel again 😒.

If this bill was successful, food labelling would not need to list everything that goes into it either and the fines if there's harm to anyone of anything, is minimal. Big business will write it off as "the cost of doing business".

Here's a link to a submission template that you can copy and paste -

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MZbedmhiasyrJGs1DYiwJetjqTaiAlmsQ5oAW4yzGXc/edit?fbclid=IwY2xjawIfRHJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQ95Q2t32g1pxBJeINRrEkNizWWLz2oH_hVpWvpX6C2L8MbkUYrgsHt6ag_aem_nNRJSfsA8mkfTiDbYBzvWA&tab=t.0

OANZ Submission Guide: Get Involved and Share Your Voice Submissions are due Monday, 17th February 2025, to the Health Select Committee of Parliament. HOW TO MAKE A SUBMISSION: Visit the submission website here. Enter your contact information. Choose one of the following options: Option 1: Upl...