A Transformational Weekend of Rongoā and Taonga Pūoro at Whakapaumahara Marae
On the weekend of 30 August to 1 September 2024, Whakapaumahara Marae in Whananaki became a place of connection, healing, and learning, as the hapū hosted an extraordinary Wānanga Rongoā. This special event, which focused on traditional Māori healing practices, brought together whānau to reconnect with their mauri, enhance their hauora (wellbeing), and build whanaungatanga (relationships).
What made this wānanga truly unique were the contributions of three esteemed rangatira—Te Hemo Ata Henare, James Webster, and Hinemoa Jones, all of whom shared their immense wealth of knowledge and expertise with those who attended.
James Webster and Hinemoa Jones, both from Haumanu Collective, are highly regarded practitioners of taonga pūoro, the traditional Māori musical instruments that are not only beautiful in sound but also deeply embedded in the spiritual healing traditions of our tūpuna (ancestors). Over the course of the three-day wānanga, they demonstrated how these ancient instruments can be used as powerful tools for rongoā (healing), sharing their knowledge of how sound vibrations interact with the mauri (life force) to promote wellness and balance.
One of the highlights of the wānanga was the hands-on learning around harakeke (flax) and its care. Whānau had the chance to reconnect with the whenua (land) by learning sustainable harvesting practices and understanding the spiritual significance of harakeke. This, combined with the healing power of taonga pūoro, created a holistic experience that left participants feeling uplifted and grounded.
The wānanga wasn’t just about teaching rongoā; it was also about fostering whanaungatanga—bringing people together to share in a collective journey of growth and learning. Whānau bonded through group activities, shared kai, and kōrero, all while being enveloped in the welcoming embrace of Whakapaumahara Marae.
The success of the wānanga was evident not only in the knowledge shared and the skills learned but in the sense of unity and whānau that emerged from the experience. It was a testament to the power of rongoā, not just as a healing practice, but as a way of connecting people to each other and to the land.
This wānanga would not have been possible without the support of key sponsors and supporters, including Northland Grassroots, Tawiti Nuku Tawhiti Roa, Whakapaumahara Whānau, Ngātiwai Trust Board, and Te Aho Mutunga Kore. Their contributions ensured that this event could take place and that the kaupapa of traditional Māori healing could be shared with whānau far and wide.
For those who were unable to attend, we invite you to watch the video of this incredible event, where you can catch a glimpse of the activities, teachings, and wairua (spirit) that filled the marae over this unforgettable weekend.
This wānanga is just one example of the important mahi that Haumanu Collective, led by experts like James Webster and Hinemoa Jones, continues to do to ensure that taonga pūoro and other traditional Māori healing practices are preserved and passed on to future generations.
Watch the full video on YouTube to see the magic of taonga pūoro and rongoā in action, and stay tuned for more opportunities to engage with the Haumanu Collective’s kaupapa.
Mauri ora!
